How is Burmese Amber authenticated

Authenticating Burmese Amber can be done through professional gem labs or DIY methods at home.

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Professional gemologists use a variety of methods to authenticate real vs fake amber, including the following:

Infrared Spectroscopy: This test measures the infrared spectrum of the sample and compares it to known spectra of real amber. Infrared spectroscopy is a highly accurate and reliable method to identify real amber.
Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy: This test measures the UV-Vis absorption spectrum of the sample and compares it to known spectra of real amber. UV-Vis spectroscopy is a quick and reliable method for identifying real amber.
Refractive Index (RI) Testing: This test measures the speed at which light passes through the sample and compares it to known values of real amber. Amber has a refractive index of 1.55, while many synthetic imitations have a lower refractive index.
Microscopy: This test uses a high-powered microscope to examine the internal structure of the sample, including the presence of air bubbles, resin channels, and inclusions. This can help distinguish real amber from synthetic imitations.
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD): This test measures the diffraction pattern of X-rays passing through the sample and compares it to known diffraction patterns of real amber. XRD is a highly accurate and reliable method for identifying real amber.
Thermal Analysis: This test measures the thermal behavior of the sample, including the melting point, heat of fusion, and thermal expansion. This can help distinguish real amber from synthetic imitations.
Density Testing: This test measures the density of the sample and compares it to known densities of real amber. Amber has a density of 1.05-1.10 g/cm3, while many synthetic imitations have a lower density.
Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy: This test measures the infrared spectrum of the sample and compares it to known spectra of real amber. FTIR spectroscopy is a highly accurate and reliable method for identifying real amber.
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy: This test measures the magnetic properties of the sample and compares it to known values of real amber. NMR spectroscopy is a highly accurate and reliable method for identifying real amber.
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): This test uses a combination of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify the chemical composition of the sample and compare it to known compositions of real amber. GC-MS is a highly accurate and reliable method for identifying real amber.

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You can test the authenticity of amber at home using various methods, such as the UV light test, salt water test, hot needle test, rubbing test, transparency test, density test, and air bubbles test.

Saltwater test: Fill a cup with hot water and add 1 tablespoon of salt per cup. Stir to dissolve the salt. Place the amber piece in the saltwater. If it floats, it is likely real amber, but if it sinks, it may be fake.
UV light test: Real amber will glow a yellow-orange color when exposed to ultraviolet light, while fake amber will not.
Burn test: Burn a small piece of the amber. If it smells like resin and leaves a small, light-colored ash, it is likely real amber. If it smells like plastic and leaves a black ash, it is likely fake.
Acetone test: Apply a drop of acetone to the amber. If it dissolves, it is likely fake, but if it remains unchanged, it is likely real.
Scratch test: Use a needle or other sharp object to make a scratch on the amber. If it is real, the scratch should be white and reveal a transparent interior. If it is fake, the scratch will reveal a cloudy or opaque interior.
Magnifying test: Use a magnifying glass to examine the surface of the amber. Real amber should have small air bubbles, while fake amber will have larger and more uniform bubbles.
Heating test: Heat a small piece of the amber with a lighter. If it softens and smells like resin, it is likely real, but if it does not change, it is likely fake.
Density test: Real amber is lighter than glass and has a specific gravity of 1.05 to 1.10. Fill a glass with water and carefully place the amber in the water. If it floats, it is likely real, but if it sinks, it may be fake.
Refraction test: Real amber will bend light differently than fake amber, so use a light to examine the refraction of the light through the amber. If it has a yellow-orange tint, it is likely real, but if it is cloudy or opaque, it is likely fake.
Sound test: Tap the amber with a hard object. Real amber will produce a metallic or resinous sound, while fake amber will have a dull or plastic sound.

It is important to note that DIY methods at home are not as reliable as professional gem lab tests, so it is recommended to have a professional gemologist perform the tests to determine the authenticity of Burmese Amber.