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Information on Distinct Characteristics of Amber Treated in Baltic Region

Amber, a natural gem, originates from the remains of living or once-living organisms and is the result of a biological process known as fossilization.

Information Regarding Characteristics of Baltic Amber Post-Treatment
Information Regarding Characteristics of Baltic Amber Post-Treatment

Information on Distinct Characteristics of Amber Treated in Baltic Region

**Distinguishing Natural Amber from Heat-Treated Amber**

### Overview

Amber, a fossilized tree resin, is often prized for its warm, golden color and unique properties. Heat-treated amber, on the other hand, undergoes processes to alter its appearance and characteristics. This article will delve into the differences between natural amber and heat-treated amber, focusing on the chemical and spectroscopic changes that occur during the heat treatment process.

### The Transformation of Amber through Heat Treatment

- Amber is an organic gem formed through a process of progressive oxidation and polymerization. Heat treatment leads to fewer saturated C-H bonds and unsaturated C=C double bonds, resulting in more oxygen-bearing functional groups and a higher degree of polymerization. - The extinction of the weak absorptions at 1645 and 888 cm-1 corresponds with the breaking of the unsaturated C=C double bond of the exocyclic methylene group. In contrast, the number of saturated C-H bonds consumed by oxidation during amber heat treatment is greater than that of unsaturated C=C double bonds consumed. - A decrease in the absorption of the major band at 2932 cm-1 suggests that the saturated C-H bond was broken down by heating. Simultaneously, an increase in intensity of the absorption at 1732 cm-1 indicates that oxygen involvement enables a higher concentration of the C=O functional group.

### The Diagnostic Signatures of Heat-Treated Amber

- The range of ~1.5 - 1.9 for the intensity ratio of the 2932 and 1732 cm-1 bands is not considered diagnostic for identifying clarified amber. However, an intensity ratio of ≤ 1.54 for the 2932 and 1732 cm-1 bands is indicative of clarified amber, while ≤ 0.50 correlates to baked amber. - The minor changes in intensity ratios in Raman spectra are not considered as being diagnostic for identifying heat treatment. However, the appearance of Sun spangles, discoidal stress fractures produced by expansion and decrepitation in heat-treated amber, can serve as a visual indicator of the process.

### The Impact of Heat Treatment on Amber's Appearance

- Untreated Baltic amber is yellow or light yellow, beeswax-like, opaque, and has moderate-to-strong long-wave UV fluorescence. Treated Baltic amber can be golden yellow, red, or dark red, translucent or transparent, with weaker UV fluorescence. - Beeswax amber, a term that might refer to a color or texture reminiscent of amber, is sub-translucent or opaque due to abundant microscopic bubbles. - Septarian cracks in untreated Baltic amber form irregular networks of micro-cracks showing a mosaic-like appearance, while treated Baltic amber shows narrow oxidation cracks with minor "bleeding" of color.

### Methods of Amber Heat Treatment

- Methods of amber heat treatment include clarifying, baking (oxidation), decrepitating, and 'beeswax ageing'. The main purposes of amber heat treatment are to improve or alter the colour, enhance clarity, and produce inclusions like "Sun spangles".

### Gemmological Instruments and Spectroscopy

- While visual inspection with gemmological instruments and spectroscopy can help distinguish between natural amber and beeswax amber, the most effective scientific method for identifying fossil resins in Baltic amber is Infra-red (IR) spectroscopy. This method shows broad absorptions in the 1260-1160 cm-1 range, known as the "Baltic shoulder". - FTIR spectroscopy also provides valuable information, showing strong absorption bands at 2932 and 2867 cm in Baltic amber, along with absorptions at 1732 and 1702 cm. These spectral signatures can help differentiate Baltic amber from other types of amber and beeswax amber.

In conclusion, understanding the chemical and spectroscopic changes that occur during the heat treatment of amber can help distinguish it from natural amber. Heat-treated amber undergoes changes in its molecular structure and appearance, which can be detected through various scientific methods.

  1. Membership in a gemmology network can provide valuable insights into the differences between natural and heat-treated amber, as scientific workshops may discuss the diagnostic signatures of heat-treated amber.
  2. Instruments such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers are essential technology for studying amber, as they help identify the changes in functional groups during heat treatment, which can demonstrate the difference between natural and heat-treated amber.
  3. The field of science devoted to the study of amber, known as amberology, includes understanding the various medical-conditions for which amber has been used throughout history, as well as the chemical and spectroscopic analysis of amber to distinguish between natural and heat-treated samples.
  4. Courses in gemmology, technology, and spectroscopy can provide valuable knowledge for those interested in the field, helping them develop the skills necessary to identify and understand the differences between natural and heat-treated amber.

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