Why Identifying Real Baltic Amber Matters
Baltic amber has been cherished for centuries, admired not only for its beauty but also for its
historical significance. Whether you're buying amber jewellery, collecting raw pieces, or
simply fascinated by this ancient resin, knowing how to spot the real thing is essential. With
imitations flooding the market, it’s important to ensure you’re getting authentic Baltic amber,
not just plastic or copal.
Latvian amber is part of the larger Baltic amber family, prized for its rich history and natural
beauty. Found along Latvia’s Baltic Sea coastline, it’s been a valuable resource for centuries.
Like other Baltic amber, Latvian amber is fossilized tree resin that formed around 44 million
years ago, during the Eocene period.
What makes Latvian amber particularly special is its local significance. Amber has played a
role in Latvian culture for centuries, being used in traditional jewellery, crafts, and even as a
healing material. Whether you find it as raw nuggets washed up on the beach or in finely
polished jewellery, Latvian amber is a cherished symbol of the country’s natural heritage.
Luckily, identifying real Baltic amber is easier than you think. In this guide, we’ll walk you
through a few simple tips and tests that will help you tell if the amber you have is the real
deal.
Signs of Real Baltic Amber
Before jumping into any tests, it helps to know a few basic features of authentic Baltic amber:
Warm to the Touch: Real amber is a natural resin, so it feels warm when you hold it, unlike glass or plastic, which can feel cooler.
Unique Inclusions: One of the signature features of Baltic amber is the tiny organic matter trapped inside—like insects or plant material. These inclusions often add to the stone’s allure and value.
Earthy, Subtle Scent: Genuine amber, when rubbed or heated, gives off a slightly piney, resinous smell. Fake amber, especially plastic, won’t produce the same aroma.
Simple Tests You Can Try at Home
The Saltwater Test
Real amber is less dense than saltwater, so it will float, while many fake materials will sink.
How to do it: Mix about 7 teaspoons of salt into a glass of water. Stir well, then drop your amber piece in. If it floats, it’s likely real! If it sinks, you might have a fake.
The Scratch Test
Real amber is soft and can scratch easily, unlike plastic or glass.
How to do it: Lightly scratch an inconspicuous area. If the scratch reveals a white powdery substance underneath, it’s likely amber.
The UV Light Test
Genuine amber glows under UV light.
How to do it: Shine a UV light on your amber in a dark room. Genuine amber will give off a fluorescent glow, typically blue or green.
The Rubbing Test
Amber builds up static electricity when rubbed.
How to do it: Rub the amber against cloth and hold it close to small bits of paper or dust. If it attracts them, it’s likely real.
The Heat Test
Real amber emits a pleasant piney smell when heated.
How to do it: Gently heat a needle and press it lightly into the amber. If you smell a faint pine aroma, it’s probably real.
Why It’s Worth Knowing
Knowing how to identify real Baltic amber can save you from falling for imitations and ensures that you’re investing in an authentic piece of nature’s history.
With these easy methods at your disposal, you’ll become an amber expert in no time!
See our beautiful Amber Collection here.
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