Copal is a semi-fossilized tree resin that is significantly younger than amber, often displaying a sticky surface when touched with a solvent like acetone. Collectors look for unique insect or botanical inclusions, though the material is much softer and more soluble than true amber. It is typically found in recent geological deposits rather than ancient fossil beds.
Hardness
1.5-2.5
Mohs
Luster
Resinous
Transparency
Transparent
Is this copal?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch copal with a known reference. Copal sits at Mohs 1.5-2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Name the organismDecide what left the fossil before worrying about the rock. Organism: Tree resin, including from Protium copal and Hymenaea verrucosa.
- 3Check the preservationPreservation: Resin partway between soft resin and amber in polymerization. That controls the weight, the hardness and how the piece takes a polish.
- 4Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: resinous.
- 5Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, orange, brown, pale yellow.
Often confused with
Copal vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
All properties
- Mohs hardness
- 1.5-2.5
- Density
- 1.0-1.1 g/cm³
- Luster
- Resinous
- Transparency
- Transparent
- Fluorescence
- Blue to white under UV
- Rarity
- Common
- Uses
- Collector, Decorative, Lapidary
- Host rock
- sedimentary deposits
- Organism
- Tree resin, including from Protium copal and Hymenaea verrucosa
- Preservation
- Resin partway between soft resin and amber in polymerization
Where rockhounds find copal
Classic worldwide localities
- Colombia
- Madagascar
- Dominican Republic
- East Africa
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: sedimentary deposits.
Common questions
How do you identify copal?+
Mohs hardness is 1.5-2.5. Organism: Tree resin, including from Protium copal and Hymenaea verrucosa. Preservation: Resin partway between soft resin and amber in polymerization. Luster: resinous. Common colors include yellow, orange, brown, pale yellow.
Where is copal found?+
Notable localities include Colombia; Madagascar; Dominican Republic; East Africa.
What rocks look like copal?+
Copal is most often confused with Amber. A quick hardness test and a streak check separate the look-alikes faster than color alone.
What kind of rock does copal form in?+
Where it forms: sedimentary deposits. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.
What is copal used for?+
Copal is used in collector, decorative, lapidary.
Find copal on the map
RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.
