Copal is a fossilized organic resin. This amorphous yellow-to-brownish material is often confused with amber, but amber is much older than copal. A test using acetone can separate amber and copal – copal will react immediately while amber will take longer to be affected.
Gemological Information for Copal
| Color: | The Color of Copal Varies from Pale Yellow to Orange |
| Crystal Structure: | Amorphous |
| Refractive Index: | ca. 1.54 (-.010) |
| Durability: | Can be Melted by a Hot Torch |
| Hardness: | 2 |
| Family: | |
| Similar Stones: | Reconstructed Amber |
| Treatments: | Oiling, Heat Treatments, Reconstruction (Same as Amber) |
| Country of Origin: | Africa, New Zealand & South America |
Copal Care
| Ultrasonic Cleaning: | Not Safe |
| Steam Cleaning: | Not Safe |
| Warm Soapy Water: | Not Safe - Cool Water Onlly - No Brushes |
| Chemical Attack: | Keep Away from Chemicals |
| Light Sensitivity: | Will Darken with Age |
| Heat Sensitivity: | Burns Readily |