We have a possibility of testing amber pieces using  Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy with the standard KBr disc method at the Chemical Faculty of the Gdansk University of Technology. The International Amber Association signed an agreement with the Gdansk University of Technology for performing such analyses. It requires a minimum amount of sample, unfortunately taken from the examined stone and it is a distructive method. Each test has its own number, describion and spectrum. The cost of test is 70 PLN (plus 22%VAT - about 18 Euro or 24US$)

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The Amber Laboratory  - Interview with Ewa Wagner-Wysiecka Ph.D. from Technical university of Gdansk (Ambermart News 2008)

Genuine Baltic Amber, i.e. succinite is becoming ever more expensive and its prestige is constantly growing. It is more and more important that the purchase of amber jewellery comes with absolute certainty about the amber’s authenticity. At Ambermart, there is a complete ban on the exhibiting and sale of amber forgeries and surrogates. However, many traders have got jewellery about which they are not completely certain. This is just one of the reasons to visit the Amber Laboratory stand, where your amber can be verified by the Experts’ Commission of the International Amber Association and experts from the Gdańsk University of Technology. 

What are the most common amber forgeries?

Ewa Wagner-Wysiecka: Everything depends on what we mean when we say, “forgery.” If we speak of Baltic amber, or succinite, we can differentiate two groups of forgeries: natural and synthetic substances. Natural substances include copals, but they can just as well be resins called “amber” from other geographical locations throughout the globe. None of these substances is succinite, however, so if the substance at hand is not clearly labelled, such a sample can be considered an imitation. It is just the same with synthetic resin products which are currently quite popular. If a product made of such a resin (polyester resin, for instance) is marketed as succinite (or any other natural resin), this is of course a forgery. 

How can you tell the difference between Baltic amber and its forgeries?

EWW: There are many methods which enable a seasoned expert to tell Baltic amber from its imitations. Sometimes, a keen and experienced eye is enough, but sometimes this can unfortunately be difficult because of the specific working technique used. Baltic amber, however, has a characteristic scent which is the key to its initial and most simple identification method, for instance by applying the tip of a hot needle and checking the scent that the substance emanates. It is easy to tell between the scent of succinite and the smell of synthetic resins. In order to identify succinite, we can also take advantage of its uncommonly low solubility in organic solvents (this is a comparatively easy way to tell succinite from copal). However, the most reliable  results can be obtained using laboratory methods. The simplest and most often used method is infra-red spectroscopy (IRS). On the basis of the results of such measurements it is possible not only to identify Baltic amber, but also other natural and synthetic resins.

Are these methods invasive?

EWW: In the case of the hot needle test or the tests using solvents, it is quite easy to imagine the degree to which the sample would be damaged. In the case of modern  IR spectrometers, the sample necessary for a single analysis is generally relatively small. However, the number of analyses which we have to make and the method of sampling vary in each case. In every case, however, we are talking about milligrams, so the samples are small. 

What is the price of such tests?

EWW: According to the agreement with the International Amber Association, the price per IRS analysis is PLN 70.00 (+22%VAT).  

The Amber Laboratory is always located in Amberif and Ambermart fairs, apart from them, tests can be ordered through the International Amber Association. Visitors can verify the authenticity of the amber they bring to the stand and learn the basic techniques, which help to tell amber from its forgeries.
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Threat to the amber market - copal imitation gemstones - Wieslaw Gierlowski

The Amber Laboratory at the Amberif and Ambermart Amber Fairs