Colombia, South America 1 million years old Copal--fossilized tree sap, or fossil resin--is a precursor to amber. The distinction between copal and amber forms an issue of contention among experts, however. In general, fossil resin is called copal if it is not older than 2 - 20 million years, but, because of the lack of a scaling system for assessing polymerization rates, the nomenclature of resin, copal and amber is inexact. Adding to the difficulties in classifying Colombian copal and amber are the presence of drug cartels in the area, inhibiting more thorough scientific study that might clarify the age of the geologic formations in which these materials are found. Nevertheless, the collective importance of resin, copal and amber specimens in providing a fossil record of ancient rainforest life is indisputable. Significant copal deposits are found in Colombia, South America in the Santander Province. Most, if not all, resins from New Zealand (Kauri gum), Africa, and Colombia are considered copal. The present well-preserved fauna specimens from the prehistoric rainforest of Colombia are captured for eternity in the material that caused their untimely end. The lot comprises 5 copal nuggets displaying a rare scorpion, two complete geckos, a spider and a large mantis Largest specimen measures 3 1/2 inches in length.
Colombia, South America 1 million years old Copal--fossilized tree sap, or fossil resin--is a precursor to amber. The distinction between copal and amber forms an issue of contention among experts, however. In general, fossil resin is called copal if it is not older than 2 - 20 million years, but, because of the lack of a scaling system for assessing polymerization rates, the nomenclature of resin, copal and amber is inexact. Adding to the difficulties in classifying Colombian copal and amber are the presence of drug cartels in the area, inhibiting more thorough scientific study that might clarify the age of the geologic formations in which these materials are found. Nevertheless, the collective importance of resin, copal and amber specimens in providing a fossil record of ancient rainforest life is indisputable. Significant copal deposits are found in Colombia, South America in the Santander Province. Most, if not all, resins from New Zealand (Kauri gum), Africa, and Colombia are considered copal. The present well-preserved fauna specimens from the prehistoric rainforest of Colombia are captured for eternity in the material that caused their untimely end. The lot comprises 5 copal nuggets displaying a rare scorpion, two complete geckos, a spider and a large mantis Largest specimen measures 3 1/2 inches in length.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
