Latest Insights into Distinguishing Characteristics of Amber Treated with Chemical Solutions (Baltic Amber)
In the world of amber, understanding the differences between natural beeswax amber and heat-treated amber is crucial for collectors, researchers, and enthusiasts alike. This article aims to shed light on the distinct characteristics of these two types of amber.
Natural beeswax amber, the original product formed by bees from their secretions, remains unprocessed and untouched by external heat or processing. It may include impurities such as pollen and resin particles collected by the bees, but it retains its native colour, texture, and biological properties.
On the other hand, heat-treated amber has been subjected to controlled heating processes to enhance its appearance and durability. Heating can deepen the amber's colour, clarify it by removing impurities or trapped air bubbles, and sometimes increase its hardness and gloss. However, this treatment may alter the natural chemical and physical state of the amber compared to the raw beeswax form.
The intensity ratio of the 2932 and 1732 cm-1 bands is a key indicator in distinguishing between clarified amber (≤ 1.54) and baked amber (≤ 0.50). An increase in the intensity of absorption at 1732 and 1702 cm suggests that oxygen involvement enables a higher concentration of the C=O functional group during heat treatment.
Other distinguishing features include the presence of sun spangles, discoidal stress fractures produced in heat-treated amber by expansion and decrepitation, and the "Baltic Shoulder" (broad absorptions into the 1260-1160 cm-1 range) which is specific to Baltic amber and is related to the presence of succinic acid.
It's essential to note that while Raman minor changes in intensity ratios are not considered diagnostic for identifying heat treatment, methods for amber heat treatment include clarifying, baking (oxidation), decrepitating, and 'beeswax ageing'.
In summary, the main differences between natural beeswax amber and heat-treated amber lie in their formation, appearance, and characteristics. Understanding these differences can help in making informed decisions when choosing between raw, natural products versus those enhanced for commercial appeal or durability.
| Aspect | Natural Beeswax Amber | Heat-Treated Amber | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Formation | Produced naturally by bees, unprocessed | Subjected to controlled heating | | Appearance | Original colour, may have impurities | Enhanced colour, clarity, and gloss | | Physical/Chemical Traits| Retains natural properties | Altered by heat, possibly harder and shinier| | Usage Impact | Preserves natural benefits (e.g. skincare)| Improved aesthetics, potential loss of some natural traits |
- Membership in the gemmology community may require understanding the differences between natural beeswax amber and heat-treated amber, as both collectors and researchers are interested in these distinct characteristics.
- For those interested in the science of amber, workshops and courses about the identification of natural beeswax amber and heat-treated amber can provide valuable insights into the field.
- Networking with other experts in the amber industry can help in gaining a deeper understanding of the technology and medical-conditions that influence the formation and properties of these two types of amber.
- In the realm of medical applications for amber, it's crucial to differentiate between natural beeswax amber and heat-treated amber, as the former may retain more of its original biological properties compared to the latter.
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