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Hi Andrwp, It is most likely plastic. Please read the messages above, and remember what I said about color. The majority of Burmese amber is not "red," but rather "reddish"—tending toward a murky orange-brown. Large pieces are rare, and it is often not really translucent, because of all the gunk in it. Via rubbing, cast phenolic plastics take a negative static electric charge, and will thereby attract small light materials. Consequently, since 1906, this has been a non-valid test for "amber." However, if you rub the piece for about a minute, it will present the smell of carbolic acid—demonstrating that it is plastic. This is the same smell you would get from rubbing the Bakelite handle on a pan in your kitchen. Practically all cast phenolic articles (in the jewelry arena) are hand-cut from a preformed stock (blocks, plates, rods, and tubes). Take care. Jamey All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users |
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