Amber is a fossilized resin of early plants that existed on earth millions of years ago. The chemical and physical processes that gave rise to amber are still not entirely understood, even though some plants growing nowadays are producing resin that might become amber in future(but it will require millones of years)
Surprisingly large and diverse group of early plants, both coniferous and non-coniferous, created amber. For example, amber in Mexico and the Dominican Republic resulted from hardwood tree -Hymenaea. Relatives of sweet gum trees resulted in creation of amber in different area.
With been popular gemstone amber attracts lots sellers of fake amber, most commonly used are Copal(tree resin which is much younger comparing to amber, and thus doesn't have same properties), Glass and Plastic.
There are a lot of simple tests that may help check if amber you are using is real. It's important to understand that this test are not 100% precise, and only complicated lab test with special lab equipment can give absolute answer.(specific gravity, refraction index and melting point tests)
Here are 4 basic tests you can try to conduct:
Scratch:
Amber has hardness to the Moh's scale in the area of 2 - 3. Use metal stick to scratch amber piece, real amber is soft enough and will be scratched, glass will remain unscratched.
Scent:
Heat amber bead on fire, amber will have the pine scent, while plastic will have melted plastic order instead.
UV:
Copal under a shortwave UV light barely shows any color change. Amber fluoresce light shade of blue.
Static Electricity:
Vigorously rub the sample on a soft material. True amber will generate static enough to attract small piece paper. Neither glass and nor Copal will be able to do that.
However the best way to protect yourself is to buy from trusted source.
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