What is the difference between copal and amber?
First, let us say that copal is not amber! Both copal and amber are tree resin (sap) that has hardened over time. But amber is a true fossil; it has turned to stone. It does not melt when heated slightly and is usually dark orange in color. Copal is not a true fossil, sometimes being formed as little as a few hundred years ago. It becomes tacky when heated, occasionally smells like pine when rubbed, and is usually almost clear or light yellow in appearance. True amber is rare compared to copal, which is very common. Insects in amber are much rarer than in copal. If you see a piece of “amber” with many insects, it is either copal, or amber worth hundreds of dollars. Some fossil dealers sell cheap copal (from Colombia, for example) as expensive amber to uneducated customers. EXTINCTIONS only sells true amber. Our amber website, AmberCompany.com does not sell copal at all, so there can be no question as to which type of resin it is. If you see a piece of amber on our website, you can be s
