Resinites – Amber of different ages are found in the Dominican Republic. Some can be as old as 40 million years (La Toca Mine. See latest studies: New York Times, October 29, 2006 ). This is still young compared with the oldest amber that originates from the carbon time and has an age of approximately 345 million years (Upper Carboniferous). Yes, Dominican amber and even Baltic amber are “young”, compared with it. The resins of these areas have extruded from trees (during the tertiary age Oligocene / Eocene 25-50 million years).
What we call Dominican Copal is a still younger resin, also is found in the Dominican Republic, but its behavior is different from that of the “genuine” (old) amber. Besides the age difference, the basic fact is that Dominican copal is slightly softer than what is commonly known as “real amber” since it has not gone through the same timely extended stage of polymerization.
The anciant Taino indians would be using tabonuko copal for their cermonies and it became an article of trade between the Taino and Mesoamerican indians.
Dominican Copal, like Dominican amber is still is extremely important to study biodiversity, bio geography, ecology and other related subjects based on its inclusions. But it also can be uses for jewelry and industrial purposes.
We are located here in the Dominican Republic, we know country and people, we speak their and your language, we know your needs and the market. We are your contact for best quality Dominican copal.
In case of interest, send us a message: info@dominicancopal.com
Large Copal Specimens
How large is a large Dominican Copal specimen?
Large Copal specimens are usually only between 50 grams to 300 grams, but there are still considerably larger chunks of Dominican Copal.
Normally, the soft Copal can be polished by hand with the aid of water, shaping and sanding using 600 grit and polishing it on leather or denim. But in case of Dominican Copal, we even have polished it on a slow turning felt wheel to a perfect shine. See: Polished Dominican Copal
Medium Size Copal Specimens
We consider “Medium Size” between 20 and 50 grams. They can be used for lapidary art or just as collector’s items. Since it is soft material, easy to be carved and carefully polished by hand, you will enjoy working with it. Copal is used to make ornaments, necklaces and figurines.
Dominican Copal can become vey translucent and brilliant or have a soft silky sheen in varying degrees of transparency. In nature, it is generally lightly coloured but there are cases of intensely coloured copal nuggets, from yellow to brown.
Small Size Copal Specimens
“Small Size” Copal Pieces are from 5 to 20 grams. Of course, they are the lowest price category. We are able to give not only a good price here, but also discounts for quantity.
There are many uses for this type of stones, i.e. jewelry and industrial.
We are your contact for best quality Dominican copal.
Please send us a message: info@dominicancopal.com