Are they Bakelite? Cherry red beads

Here I have some cherry red beads and Id like to find out if they are Bakelite or some other early plastic .I don't currently have any simichrome to test with but hopefully there are some experts about. The largest of the beads is 35mm x 20mm.

 

Hi,
Run them under hot water. If Bakelite they will smell to high heaven. I do not think so since Bakelite is opaque. Do they clunk instead of clink?
greg

 

You can use Maas instead of simichrome.

 

I use a damp q-tip and baking soda. It works. Rub and sniff at the same time if possible. If bakelite you'll smell the formaldehyde. I got my first "positive" for tobacco the other night - the piece looked like bakelite, but was just tobacco-stained lucite. I have a feeling these are acrylic; the hole edges look molded rather than drilled.

 

1/3 cup salt completely dissolve in 2/3 cup water, drop one in, if it sinks you can rule out amber.

 

I tried the hot water and baking soda test and got nothing :-(
I'm certain they are man made, so not Amber. Probably they are just acrylic. I had bought them in a bag with agate and ivory beads so had hoped these were Bakelite

Thanks guys

 

If the edges of the bead holes are rounded, they're acrylic or lucite. Rounded means molded. I'd restring them, probably on a cording I could knot.

 

Tested with Maas metal polish. Red/brown colouring