Copal
Also known as: subfossilized tree sap
- 1Copal is an aromatic resin derived primarily from the Protium copal tree of the Burseraceae family.
- 2It represents an intermediate stage of polymerization between gummier resins and amber.
- 3Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures utilized it as ceremonially burned incense.
- 4Partly mineralized forms of this substance are specifically classified as copaline.
Copal is a tree resin, particularly the aromatic resins from the copal tree Protium copal (Burseraceae) used by the cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica as ceremonially burned incense and for other purposes.
Connections1
distinction from immature fossilized resin
Copal is a younger, less polymerized form of tree resin that is often confused with true amber but lacks the same geological age and durability.
Copal is a tree resin, particularly the aromatic resins from the copal tree Protium copal (Burseraceae) used by the cultures of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica as ceremonially burned incense and for other purposes. More generally, copal includes resinous substances in an intermediate stage of polymerization and hardening between "gummier" resins and amber. Copal that is partly mineralized is known as copaline.
Negatief. Laan met kopalbomenWikimedia Commons; Unknown author Unknown author; Wereldmuseum Amsterdam; CC BY-SA 3.0; Wikimedia Commons: Category:CopalCylinder of Colombia Copal after autoclave.Wikimedia Commons; The Singularity; Own work; CC BY 3.0; Wikimedia Commons: Category:CopalCopal from Madagascar with spiders, termites, ants, elateridae, hymenoptera, cockroach and a flowerWikimedia Commons; Didier Descouens; Own work; CC BY-SA 4.0; Wikimedia Commons; Wikidata P18 (image) 59 words