Copal Amber

Item Description

Copal is the name given to a resinous substance that exists in an intermediate stage of polymerization and hardening between softer or "gummier" resins and actual fossil amber. Sometimes this material is marketed as Copal Amber or simply Copal. The name actually refers to the copal tree Protium copal (Burseraceae), but any young Amber is often labeled as Copal. This particular stone comes to us from Colombia, and is a fantastic example of how beautiful this material can be when faceted. The color of this "portugue round brilliant" gem is a rich golden-yellow with slight greenish highlights. The stone is eye-clean and really sparkles in any kind of light. There are only a few organic substances that are considered gemstones (coral, pearls and amber are the three big ones that come to mind), but you rarely see a piece of this color and quality on the market, so if you've always wanted a piece of this beautiful material, do not miss out on this one for a great price.