There are many professionals that are fascinated by all things Amber and the information it can provide by studying it closely. It offers a rare insight in to the natural world as it was millions and millions of years ago. It preserves tiny creepy crawlies - and a few big ones too - for all this time, many of which are most likely extinct! You can see why gemologists and many others, like ourselves, are captivated by our much loved gemstone. Take a look for yourself why Amber is a big deal…
How is Amber Made?
Amber is formed by resin that oozes from the trunk of now extinct trees. The much loved gem is millions of years old and therefore much of what existed at the beginning stages of formation is no longer in today’s natural world. The thick, sticky resin is designed to protect the tree from the constant attacks of insects who like to gnaw and burrow at the trunk as well as any type of disease that the tree is at risk of getting. Blobs of resin drip down the tree and its branches entombing anything that is in its way.
These ancient trees became swept into the ocean all these years ago due to natural disasters. They became buried under sediment mud on the ocean floor with little oxygen and a lot of pressure resulting in the resin becoming fossilised. In violent storms the pieces of Amber are disrupted from the seabed and some float to the shoreline where they are found by avid hunters. It’s a long process and as you can imagine not all resin survives, making those that do extra special.
A Time Capsule
Amber really does intrigue scientists, gemologists, jewellers and historians with its unique way of freezing a moment in time. A moment that occurred millions and millions of years ago. As the resin, which must not get confused with sap travels to the forest floor, small insects and parts of plants become attached to the tacky, thick substance. As the resin hardens the creatures become trapped inside and remain there throughout the fossilisation process as a window for us all to see.
Many of these tiny animals and plants no longer exist and therefore, professionals can discover more about the trees and insects of this time. It is such a unique feature of Amber that makes each gemstone one-of-a-kind as no two pieces are the same.
Many Different Colours
You may be surprised to know that there are many shades of Amber. The well known fiery orange is a favourite amongst many but the light yellow, white, green and blue variations are just as beautiful. The blue and green versions are exclusively discovered in the Dominican Republic and the striking shade is only seen in reflected light. Interestingly, in transmitted light these gems are more of the usual amber colour such as orange, yellow or red. The transparency depends on the stone as Amber can vary from transparent to opaque.
Identifying Amber Can Be Difficult
As you can imagine, there are many imitations that can often be mistaken for Amber. Copal, plastic, chalcedony and glass can share a similar appearance and can also be found the morning after a stormy night on the beach. Amber floats in sea water as does Copal and a few plastics. Even some of the recommended tests can give the same results. This makes it quite tricky to identify Amber that has been found washed up on the shore, especially for those new to the fiery gem. If unsure, the following two tests can help you understand what you have found.
- When performing the hot needle test on a piece of amber be careful to not damage it. True Amber will give off a pine tree smell whereas plastic’s odour is more like burnt plastic. It may be wise to leave this to the professionals as there is a huge risk of ruining a beautiful piece.
- Amber is left unaffected by a tiny drop of ether or acetone however, these substances leave a sticky surface on Copal or plastic.
