I don't know where this "dark amber color" description came from.
My suspicion is that it occurs when you use Citric Acid for the activator.
I've always used HCl as the activator, and the color is a (very) light yellow-ish green.
(or greenish yellow)
The more drops you activate, the darker it does get.
I have to activate 10 or 20 drops or more (for baths) for it to turn
a dark(er) amber color.
My premixed "pre-activated" CDS (24,000 ppm; MMS drop-for-drop equivalent)
is the same light yellow-green color.
You can get ClO2 Test Strips to test the ppm of your activated solution.
See my website, link below. (Menu: 'Using MMS/CD/ClO2')
These can be used to make sure the activation is occurring, that your solutions
are good and working, etc.
NOTE: Any and all information supplied in online or offline communications that pertains to,
mentions, replies to inquiries about, and/or involves a discussion of, the information on my website,
ASpoonfulOfMedicine.com, falls under the Disclaimer on my website.
CHP – The Clean Health Protocol
www.ASpoonfulOfMedicine.com/
You will find info there regarding Jim Humble's "MMS Health Recovery Guidebook".