The facts
What copal actually is
Mineralogically, copal is sub-fossil tree resin, typically a few hundred to a few hundred thousand years old - not amber — Incompletely polymerised terpenoid resin, crystallising in the amorphous system.
The colour is caused by organic chromophores. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.53-1.54, and the specific gravity sits near 1.03-1.08; cleavage is none; often heavily crazed.
Where copal comes from
The recognised sources are Santander and Boyaca, Colombia (often only decades to centuries old), Ambanja and Sambava, Madagascar, Zanzibar and the East African coast and Manila copal, Philippines.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How copal is treated
Usually untreated, but routinely heated or oil-treated and then sold as amber. The plain-language market reality: a large share of cheap 'amber' beads, and almost all cheap 'amber with insects' from Madagascar and Colombia, is copal. Field tests: a drop of acetone or ether frosts and tackifies the surface within seconds, a hot needle gives a sharp resinous smell rather than a pine-forest note, and it crazes with age. No CITES.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What copal is confused with
The usual confusions are Amber (sold as it, constantly) and Plastic.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.53-1.54 and specific gravity 1.03-1.08 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What copal is used for
Copal is bought by jewellery, mineral collecting and decorative objects — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the specimen or by the piece.
Durability and care
Hardness 1.5-2; cleavage none; often heavily crazed. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What copal costs
Indicative pricing for copal is $0.05-1 per gram; insect-bearing pieces $5-50, a fraction of true amber.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is copal treated, and how?
Usually untreated, but routinely heated or oil-treated and then sold as amber. The plain-language market reality: a large share of cheap 'amber' beads, and almost all cheap 'amber with insects' from Madagascar and Colombia, is copal. Field tests: a drop of acetone or ether frosts and tackifies the surface within seconds, a hot needle gives a sharp resinous smell rather than a pine-forest note, and it crazes with age. No CITES.
Where does copal come from?
Santander and Boyaca, Colombia (often only decades to centuries old), Ambanja and Sambava, Madagascar, Zanzibar and the East African coast and Manila copal, Philippines. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is copal hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 1.5-2 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does copal cost?
Indicatively $0.05-1 per gram; insect-bearing pieces $5-50, a fraction of true amber. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is copal confused with?
Most often Amber (sold as it, constantly) and Plastic. A refractive index of 1.53-1.54 and a specific gravity near 1.03-1.08 separate it quickly.
What is copal used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for copal?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about copal