How to determine real vs. fake amber? 1) Because amber is such a poor conductor of heat, (unlike minerals), it feels warmer to the touch than glass. 2) When heated, amber gives off a sweet pine smell with white smoke. Plastics, when heated smell like camphor or carbolic acid and have a disinfectant smell. 3) With a specific gravity of 1 - 1.2, amber is buoyant in sea water. The more transparent the amber the higher its density and lower its buoyancy. Float it in salt water (2.5 tablespoons of salt per cup). Amber will always float whereas thermoplastics or glass will sink. 4) Scrape the back with a knife. If it flakes, it's fake. If it is powdery, it's real. 5) If you rub amber vigorously on wool, the static charge will attract tissue paper. #balticamber #tips #fakeamber #realamber