Change of amber structure by pulsed power discharge

Amber is made from tree resin in a process that takes around 100 million years. It is used for the manufacture of jewelry and ornamental objects [1]. During experiments, a needle and plate electrode were used. Two types of magnetic pulse compression circuits (MPC) were used to apply pulse power discharges. Applied voltage was around 25 kV and 4.5 Joules per shot. During experiments 30 pps was applied. The number of shots was about 300. Pulse power discharges were done in air and silicone oil. In the case of air experiments, discharges were not passed inside amber; instead, discharge was run over the amber´s surface. After discharges, amber became red in color and smooth like glass. Red color amber is not natural and is thus more attractive for jewelry and customers. Different results were achieved during discharges in silicone oil. Discharges in silicone oil had a different effect, with most discharges passing through the amber structure, causing fine cracks. Unfortunately, much artificial amber is sold as genuine amber because identification of genuine amber is difficult. Pulsed power technology is also useful for detecting artificial amber (costume jewelry) without causing damage to the product. For these experiments, we used four types of artificial amber under the same parameters as for genuine amber including shot number and voltage. Amber was identified by using pulse power discharge.