Copal Resin - Copal Rosin Varnish - Gum Copal - Resin Copal - Manila Copal Gum
Please note that the lumps can vary in colour from yellow to light red.
Copal usually refers to an aromatic resin derived from the dried sap of the Copal tree, Protium copal, which is native to Mexico and Central America. However, this is just one of a large group of Copal resins of recent, semi-fossil and fossil origin found in many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world.
Copal is sold in a variety of hard forms, ranging in colour from almost transparent milky white to yellow-brown, the former being the more highly valued. Copal contains insignificant quantities of essential oil and dissolves in alcohol and other organic solvents on heating. Fossilised Zanzibar Copal is the hardest of all resins except amber, and is the most valuable Copal.
Copal is used as an ingredient in varnish, lacquers and other wood coatings and finishes, particularly those containing Shellac. It yields a hard elastic varnish that is often used for outdoor applications. Fossilised and semi-fossilised Copal resin produces a tougher finish to the varnish than recent resin.
CopaI is used as an ingredient in incense. Traditionally, it was burned by the indigenous population of Mexico and Central America as a ceremonial incense.
Copal is used in printing inks and is also used as a picture varnish and in adhesives.
