How to Tell if Amber is Real: A Complete Guide on Real Amber vs Fake Amber | Lesca Crystals

Know how to spot real amber

Amber, the golden gem of the ancient forests, has been treasured for centuries—not just for its beauty but for its healing energy and historical significance. Unfortunately, fake amber (often made from plastic, glass, or synthetic resins) is common in the market.

At Lesca Crystals, we believe in authenticity. In this guide, you’ll learn how to test amber at home, spot imitations, and choose genuine Baltic amber with confidence.

What is Real Amber?
Amber is fossilised tree resin that has aged over millions of years. True amber (especially Baltic amber) contains succinic acid, believed to have natural healing properties.

• Pressed Amber Chips (Ambroid) – Recycled amber chips bonded with artificial resin.
• Copal Resin – Modern tree resins like Congo Amber. This is young, unfossilised resin (it melts easily, is less valuable) and is a few hundred thousand years younger than real amber.
• Plastic & Glass Imitations – Like Coprolite or Bakelite. There are no natural inclusions, and it feels artificial.

6 Easy Tests to Check if Amber is Real

1. Saltwater Test
- Real amber is lightweight and will float in saltwater (mix 2-3 tbsp salt in a cup of water).
- Fake amber (plastic/glass) will sink.
Note: Some plastics may float, so combine this with other tests.

2. Hot-Needle Test
- Heat a needle and gently touch an inconspicuous spot.
- Real amber smells like pine or resin (fragrant, natural).
- Fake amber smells like burnt plastic.
Caution: This is a destructive test!

3. UV Light Test
- Real amber glows blue or green under UV light due to organic compounds.
- Fake amber often shows no reaction or a dull glow.

4. Static Electricity Test
- Rub the amber vigorously with a cloth.
- Real amber generates static and can attract small pieces of paper. If you rub it hard enough it will heat up and smell fragrant like pine.
- Fake amber won’t create static.

5. Acetone Test
- Dab a cotton swab with nail polish remover (acetone) and rub the amber gently.
- Real amber won’t be affected by the acetone.
- Fake amber or coated pieces may become sticky or dissolve.
Caution: This is a destructive test!

6. Visual & Touch Inspection
- Real amber has:

• Natural imperfections (bubbles, swirls, plant/insect inclusions).
• Warm, organic feel (not too cold or heavy like glass).

- Fake amber often looks:

• Too perfect (uniform shape, uniform bubbles, perfect plant/insect inclusions).
• Feels cold or heavy.
• Overly shiny or appears to be machine-cut.

Why Buy Authentic Amber

• Healing Properties – Real Baltic amber contains succinic acid, believed to reduce inflammation and boost energy.
• Energetic Value – Fake amber lacks the natural vibrational energy of true fossilised resin.
• Investment Worth – Genuine amber increases in value over time, not that you want to part with it.

Key Benefits of Amber Jewellery

1. Succinic Acid
+ Succinic Acid (also called Amber Acid) has been used as a natural antibiotic and general curative for centuries.
+ Makes up a large part of Baltic Amber - as much as 8 percent succinic acid by weight.
+ Succinic Acid is also a natural constituent of plant and animal tissues.
+ A number of scientific studies have been undertaken into the benefits of Succinic Acid, they include:

• Reduce inflammation.
• Boosting metabolism.

2. Solar Plexus Activator
+ Associated with the solar plexus chakra, amber fuels confidence, personal power, and motivation.
+ Wear it as a pendant or place it on your stomach during meditation to dissolve self-doubt and ignite your inner fire.

3. Emotional Alchemist
+ Absorbs negative energy and transforms it into warmth and positivity.
+ Helps release old grief, anxiety, or emotional baggage—like "liquid sunlight" for the soul.

4. Physical Vitality Booster
+ Traditionally used to ease pain, inflammation, and fatigue (especially Baltic amber with succinic acid).
+ Place on sore areas or wear as jewellery for gentle, continuous healing.

5. Protection & Purification
+ A natural psychic shield against electromagnetic stress (great for tech-heavy environments).
+ Carried by travelers for safe journeys and hung in homes to clear stagnant energy.

6. Past-Life Connection
+ As fossilised resin, amber holds ancient memories.
+ Meditate with it to access past-life insights or ancestral wisdom.

7. Tick & Flea Collars for Pets
+ Aromatic Repellant: due to friction the smell of amber spreads throughout pets coat, deterring pests wih its aroma.
+ Electrostatic Repellant: friction between the amber and the pets coat generates static electricity which shocks any parasites that try to cling to it.

Tip: Buy Amber from Reputable Sellers

Always purchase from reputable sellers who can provide:
✔ Certification or authenticity guarantees.
✔ Detailed close-up photos.
✔ Transparent sourcing (Baltic vs. other regions).

Why Choose Amber Jewellery & Pet Products from Lesca Crystals?

At Lesca Crystals, we ethically source our amber, ensuring every piece is 100% natural and hand-selected for quality.

Explore our amber range today and enjoy timeless elegance that stands the test of time! Discover our collection of genuine Baltic amber jewellery here – crafted with intention and integrity.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments!