Q & A

S. O. of Gatineau, Quebec writes:

Any information you could provide on this necklace would be great including anything on the care/cleaning.

I found this necklace in a grab bag of jewelry I purchased from a second hand shop, so I know nothing of it's origins. The beads are approx. 3/4 inch to 1 inch in size and I suspected they may be amber. I found the 'hot pin' test on the internet and now I believe them to be Copal because it melted when the hot pin was applied, gave off a white smoke and smelled of pine. There are air bubbles and a cloudy white swirl in each bead, there are no inclusions that I can see. I believe the metal may be brass? There are no stamps or markings on the metal.

Can you tell from the pictures if it is an antique?

We asked Geoffrey Dominy to respond:

The term Copal is derived from the Spanish term "Copalli" meaning incense. In addition to it's use in incense, it is also used in varnish. Unlike Amber, Copal Resin is often referred to as "Immature or Young Amber" because it usually is found in a semi-fossilized state. Age wise, Amber is believed to be approximately 70 to 75 million years old, whereas Copal Resin can be dated anywhere from 100 to 1.6 million years old.




Tests to differentiate Amber from Copal Resin:

1. Short-Wave Ultra-Violet Light: Copal resin will fluoresce white whereas Amber will fluoresce either blue or yellow.

2. Ether Test: Ether evaporates quickly, when applied to Amber, and leaves the surface unaffected whereas when it is applied to Copal Resin, the surface will become sticky.

Unfortunately, both Amber and Copal Resin will produce a "Pine" smell, when a hotpoint is applied due to the fact that Amber and some Copal Resins are both derived from Pine Trees.

Inclusion wise, any insects found in Copal Resin will be of an "Extant" as opposed to "Extinct" species.