Copal / Young Amber with insect inclusions

Item Description

Copal is classified as a "young amber", a form of preserved / fossilized tree resin. True amber is older than copal with most ambers ranging from 10 to 30 million years old. In a general sense, the word copal is used to describe a hardened resinous substance which is found in an intermediate stage of hardening and polymerization between softer / "gummier" resins and amber. The paleodirect website states that: " copal contains inclusions of modern living life-forms whereas true fossil amber contains inclusions mostly of EXTINCT prehistoric life." Interestingly, the term copal comes from the Nahuatl / Aztec word "copalli" which translates into "incense". Here we have a big piece of Copal from Colombia featuring a leafhopper (Cicadellidae) inclusions and a fly (Diptera) inclusions plus a couple smaller unidentified insects. This piece unlike all others I have seen of this material as it actually shows a texture on the reverse side where it clearly was separated from the bark of the tree, giving it notably more character. A wonderful near cabinet sized specimen of this beautiful rare material to add to your collection. Originally priced in the inventory at $1,250.