QUESTION/ANSWER

Amber is an organogenic mineral that is a modified resin of coniferous species of tertiary (Paleogene and Neogene) and Quaternary trees. It is a high molecular weight compound of organic acids. The average age of amber is 40-50 million years.

Natural amber can be distinguished from the press in several ways:

1. Heating. Apply a highly heated metal object to the non-facial side of the stone - for example, a needle. The artificial material will immediately reveal itself to be a sharp and unpleasant smell. Natural amber always smells extremely pleasant - pine, rosin or church incense.
2. Water. Lower your amber into a glass of salted water (3 teaspoons salt). Glass or plastic amber made of epoxy resin will immediately drown. And natural amber will surface - its specific gravity is less than that of salt water.
3. Acetone. Drip acetone onto the surface of the stone. There will be no trace on natural amber. But on the artificial sample there will be melting, color change, etc.
4. Cost. Low cost is a clear sign of forgery. Natural amber simply cannot be cheap.
5. Electrification. Rub the gem against a flap of natural fabric - silk or wool, it will receive a negative charge and a piece of paper will easily stick to it. Some types of plastics are also charged in a similar way, but not as pronounced as natural natural stone.
6. Scratch. Under the mechanical influence of sharp objects (knife, needles, nails), natural amber will crumble into small crumbs, the scratch will have broken edges. Scratches will not remain on artificial amber made of glass. A fake made of plastic will turn into chips, the scratch will be with even edges.
7. Ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet radiation helps to see the layers and "tiers" of the crystal in the form of strips, illuminates it in blue in all tides, depending on the transparency and texture of the rock.
8. Weight. Amber is difficult to determine by weight, especially in the framing of drag. metal. Amber of organic origin and its density are small, but the same press will also not have much weight.

1. Amber products must be stored away from heating devices, protected from direct sunlight. temperature changes can harm the stone.
2. Avoid contact with hard surfaces (for example, hitting hard objects), which can lead to scratches, chips and other damage.
3. Amber should not be taken with contaminated hands, especially greasy ones: cleanliness of hands is mandatory.
4. Contact of the stone with perfumes is undesirable, so it is better to wear the decoration after applying perfumes, creams and other means.
5. Polish with a soft cloth more often to preserve the original, mirrored surface. (A eyeglass wipe is ideal).
6. Stone cleaning is carried out simply with water, salty solution can be used, detergents and abrasive powders cannot be used.
7. Store the jewels in the original packaging or soft pouch to avoid scratches.