One of the proven methods of distinguishing amber from other natural and artificial resins is testing it in infrared light.
Unfortunately, this technique is not often used because of its availability. A simple and easy way to identify amber is its weight and smell. Unlike stone, the amber will swim in salt water, and when set on fire, it will smolder and smell in a mysterious pleasant way. Hence one of its names: bernstein means “a stone that burns” in Germanic languages. Staring at amber, we watch the infinite beauty of colors, shades and passing time.