Comprehensive Guide to Knowing the Types of Original Amber: Color and Smell

Amber, a captivating gemstone formed from fossilized tree resin, has been treasured for thousands of years for its beauty and mystique. Its rich history spans cultures and continents, where it has been used in jewelry, healing practices, and even as a form of currency. However, with a variety of amber types and numerous imitations in the market, it’s essential to understand how to identify genuine amber. This guide will walk you through the primary methods of distinguishing authentic amber by its color and smell, along with additional tests to ensure you’re purchasing a true piece of nature’s art.

Understanding Amber: Formation and Characteristics

Amber begins its journey as sticky resin from ancient trees, often pine species that existed millions of years ago. Over time, the resin underwent polymerization and fossilization, resulting in the hard, translucent gemstone we know today. Amber can be found in various regions, with the most significant deposits in the Baltic region, Dominican Republic, and Myanmar. Each region's amber has distinct characteristics, influenced by the climate and environment in which it formed. Amber is known for its inclusions—tiny bits of plants, insects, or air bubbles trapped within—which can greatly enhance its value. When exposed to UV light, amber often fluoresces, providing another clue to its authenticity.

Types of Original Amber Based on Color

Amber’s beauty is further enhanced by the diversity of colors it exhibits, each with unique appeal:

• Yellow and Honey Amber: These are the most common varieties, typically displaying a rich, golden hue with varying degrees of transparency. Yellow amber can range from light lemony shades to deeper, almost orange tones.
• Red (Cherry) Amber: Red amber, often called cherry amber, is a rarer and sought-after variety. Its deep red color results from the oxidation of the resin over time. This type of amber is popular in high-end jewelry.
• Green Amber: While green amber can occur naturally, it is often treated to enhance its color. Natural green amber generally has a subtle green tint, while treated amber can appear vibrant and intense.
• Blue Amber: Found primarily in the Dominican Republic, blue amber is one of the rarest types. It appears almost colorless in natural light but shows a captivating blue hue under UV light due to unique fluorescence properties.
• Black Amber: This variety is typically opaque and sometimes resembles coal or jet. It gets its color from plant material within the resin and is often used in larger, bold jewelry pieces.
• White (Bone) Amber: The rarest form of amber, white amber, is usually opaque with a cloudy appearance due to numerous microscopic bubbles within the resin. This type is highly valued and often found in antique pieces.

Each color variation has a distinct market value, with rarer colors like blue and white being particularly prized by collectors and enthusiasts.

Amber Identification Through Smell

The scent of amber is a reliable way to determine its authenticity. True amber emits a unique, pleasant smell when heated or rubbed, often described as resinous or pine-like.

• Resinous Scent: Authentic amber has a distinct smell due to its organic composition. When rubbed or slightly heated, it releases a pine-like fragrance that is difficult to replicate in synthetic materials.

Testing amber’s scent can be done by gently heating it with a flame (without burning) or rubbing it vigorously to generate warmth. Be cautious with imitations, as plastic or copal resin can emit an unpleasant or chemical odor when heated.

Other Methods for Authenticating Amber

While color and smell are essential indicators, other tests can further verify the authenticity of amber:

• Float Test: Amber is less dense than saltwater, so it will float when placed in a saltwater solution, while most plastics and other imitations will sink.
• UV Light Test: Genuine amber often fluoresces under UV light, typically emitting a bluish or greenish glow. This is a quick way to distinguish amber from glass or plastic imitations.
• Scratch Test: Amber is relatively soft compared to glass or other stones. Using a needle, you can gently scratch an inconspicuous area. True amber is softer than glass but should not be as soft as copal, which is easily scratched.

Tips for Buying Authentic Amber

To ensure you’re purchasing genuine amber, keep the following tips in mind:

• Purchase from Reputable Sources: Look for established retailers with positive reviews or those who specialize in amber jewelry and artifacts.
• Warning Signs of Fake Amber: Be wary of pieces that are excessively cheap, overly transparent, or too light, as these may indicate plastic or copal resin.
• Certifications: Request certificates of authenticity from the seller, especially for high-value pieces. If possible, consider professional testing services that specialize in gemstone verification.

Identifying genuine amber by its color and smell is a rewarding endeavor that allows you to appreciate this ancient gemstone fully. From the rich yellows and reds to the elusive blue and white varieties, amber offers a spectrum of beauty that appeals to collectors and casual admirers alike. By knowing the key indicators of authenticity, you can confidently purchase and enjoy this unique gem, adding a piece of history and natural wonder to your collection.