Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy of amber

The FT-Raman spectra of specimens of genuine amber and of those of unknown origin are reported. Vibrational assignments are made for the genuine species and characteristic bands are identified. Comparison with the Raman spectra of samples of modern pine resin has facilitated the vibrational description of the bands; the unknown specimens were identified as being false ambers of acrylate and polyurethane origin. The presence of small amounts of sulphur and succinic acid in the genuine amber samples have provided a guide to the geographical origin of these samples.