Copal
From The Gemology Project
Revision as of 00:44, 10 August 2009 by Mohammad Iskandar (talk | contribs)
Copal is a tree resin fossil which is younger than amber and is sometimes used as an amber simulant.
Copal constants are similar to amber but is softened by ether.
Its surface is crazed and is very sectile (crumbles easily under the knife blade).
Diagnostics
Magnification
Copal occasionally contains insects.
Occurrence
Copal is mainly found in East Africa and South America.