MarielleK Posted May 2, 2019 Share Posted May 2, 2019 Hello everyone. So I have a question about a piece of burmite amber in my collection that I am certain is authentic. It does not release a smell when heated...I've found that my darker colored specimens will release a stronger pine smell than the lighter colored ones, however. Why is this one not giving off any smell? I'm sure it's being heated to a temparure high enough to release the smell. It passed the saltwater test, distinguishes from copal with the acetone test, and has cracks and chips characteristic of amber. It has a rather large inclusion of half of some species of grasshopper. I've included pictures of it. Thank you for your help! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JohnBrewer Posted May 3, 2019 Share Posted May 3, 2019 It’s real. Some amber I’ve had doesn’t smell or doesn’t smell too nice depending on the location. My Burmite is one of the types that doesn’t smell too much. Baltic amber does have a piney smell. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MarielleK Posted May 4, 2019 Author Share Posted May 4, 2019 6 hours ago, JohnBrewer said: It’s real. Some amber I’ve had doesn’t smell or doesn’t smell too nice depending on the location. My Burmite is one of the types that doesn’t smell too much. Baltic amber does have a piney smell. Thank you. I didn't know if all types of amber always smelled when heated, or if it was normal to have some that didn't. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
daves64 Posted May 4, 2019 Share Posted May 4, 2019 I've read that some Burmite can smell like kerosene when heated. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DeepTimeIsotopes Posted May 4, 2019 Share Posted May 4, 2019 Burmite is considerably older than Baltic or Dominican amber. It’s had a little more time in the geologic cooker for impurities and fragrances to be removed so to speak so it may not be as strong and “fresh” as newer ambers and copals. Also, keep in mind the amber from Myanmar is 66 million years older at 100 mya than Baltic (44 mya) and Dominican (25 mya) so the plant species that produced the sap certainly changed between those times which could also effect the scent. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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