Large Copal Specimen with Termites

Large Copal Specimen with Termites
Antioquia, Colombia
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 is 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. The present specimen is a very large one of golden hue, with a naturally pierced hole providing added visual interest as well as plant debris and swarms of termites within. Weighing approximately 1140.9 grams and measuring 8 1/2 x 6 x 2 1/2 in