How to Purchase Baltic Amber

Amber is the hardened resin secreted by an ancient tree; it is not a crystal or mineral. Over many years the resin becomes fossilized. Amber often contains the visible remains of insects and animals that became trapped in the resin. Amber is especially plentiful in the Baltic region of Europe. Buyers of Baltic amber should make sure to differentiate real amber from imitations.

Instructions

1

Learn about the origin of amber to give you a background in identifying real Baltic amber.

2

Find out where the amber came from. Baltic amber has its origins in the Baltic Sea region of Europe, in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Demark, Finland, Germany and Poland.

3

Look at the clarity of the amber. Before the fossilization process is complete, amber becomes hardened resin and then copal. Copal can have remains of insects or small sea animals, but it is not as clear as amber.

4

Examine the properties of the amber you are about to purchase. Heat softens amber, and rubbing it with a cloth produces an electrical charge and can attract small bits of paper. Unlike minerals, which feel cool when touched, amber does not conduct heat well and feels warm.

5

Be aware that each piece of amber is unique, making it difficult to differentiate true from imitation amber. Over 250 color variations are possible in amber from white and yellow to green, red and black.