ZacMan77 Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 This was given to my parents by a friend about 38 years ago. He was a gemologist and my parents had purchased quite a few items in his store throughout the years. It was a going away gift when they were leaving the Vail Valley, Colorado. It's been sitting in storage until last year. Since I've had it, I've gotten a lot of scrutiny and assumptions of it being a fake or whatever. I know it's real and significant. Any thoughts from members would be so appreciated. I'm stuck and don't know where to go from here. Specs: 2.2 inches in length and weighs 19.87 grams. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daves64 Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 First off, the surface is very crazed due to age, making it difficult to see inside. Check this site, it may help with that. https://www.ehow.co.uk/how_6601647_buff-scratches-baltic-amber.html Not sure how well it will work given the age and crazing, but it's at least worth a try. Accomplishing the impossible means only that the boss will add it to your regular duties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZacMan77 Posted August 12, 2021 Author Share Posted August 12, 2021 So basically the better the polish and transparency the better the quality? Thank you for the info its appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZacMan77 Posted August 12, 2021 Author Share Posted August 12, 2021 Most of the specimen is actually very transparent and the Inclusions are pretty much amazing...in my opinion. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockwood Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 I'm by no means an expert at this, but I think you can dismiss claims of it being a fake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy's Dad Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 (edited) Real, but it looks like some of the copal that I have, more than amber. Edited August 12, 2021 by Tidgy's Dad Life's Good! Tortoise Friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockwood Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 3 hours ago, Tidgy's Dad said: Real, but it looks like some of the copal that I have more than amber. Got a test that can be done for that distinction ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coco Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 I think I remember reading on the forum that amber was not dissolved by acetone while the copal becomes sticky to its contact. Coco 2 1 ---------------------- OUTIL POUR MESURER VOS FOSSILES : ici Ma bibliothèque PDF 1 (Poissons et sélaciens récents & fossiles) : ici Ma bibliothèque PDF 2 (Animaux vivants - sans poissons ni sélaciens) : ici Mâchoires sélaciennes récentes : ici Hétérodontiques et sélaciens : ici Oeufs sélaciens récents : ici Otolithes de poissons récents ! ici Un Greg... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daves64 Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 The crazing is from the surface drying out. Amber contains oils that can & will dry out, which can destroy the piece. Re-smoothing it using the plastic polish will help protect it and keep it "healthy" longer. 1 Accomplishing the impossible means only that the boss will add it to your regular duties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Top Trilo Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 3 hours ago, Rockwood said: Got a test that can be done for that distinction ? Amber is fluorescent, copal is not. 1 “If fossils are not "boggling" your mind then you are simply not doing it right” -Ken (digit) "No fossil is garbage, it´s just not completely preserved” -Franz (FranzBernhard) "With hammer in hand, the open horizon of time, and dear friends by my side, what can we not accomplish together?" -Kane (Kane) "We are in a way conquering time, reuniting members of a long lost family" -Quincy (Opabinia Blues) "I loved reading the trip reports, I loved the sharing, I loved the educational aspect, I loved the humor. It felt like home. It still does" -Mike (Pagurus) “The best deal I ever got was getting accepted as a member on The Fossil Forum. Not only got an invaluable pool of knowledge, but gained a loving family as well.” -Doren (caldigger) "it really is nice, to visit the oasis that is TFF" -Tim (fossildude19) "Life's Good! -Adam (Tidgy's Dad) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mahnmut Posted August 12, 2021 Share Posted August 12, 2021 -I do also think that it looks real and a nice piece in any case. Not sure what you mean by significant. -The polish and transparency make it easier to see what is inside -Probably it is rather copal than amber which means it is younger and from a different location, also the size you got there would be really exceptional in baltic amber, still nice in copal. -Not all amber is fluorescent, and some copal is, would be nice if it was that easy. Best Regards, J Try to learn something about everything and everything about something Thomas Henry Huxley Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZacMan77 Posted August 16, 2021 Author Share Posted August 16, 2021 On 8/12/2021 at 1:09 AM, Rockwood said: I'm by no means an expert at this, but I think you can dismiss claims of it being a fake. Fyi I wanted to thank you for your insight concerning the amber/copal. As I stated before I've gotten alot of grief over it but you and other members here have given me some much needed confidence that was really needed. Appreciate it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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