Subfossil copal is well known from New Zealand (
kauri gum from
Agathis australis (
Araucariaceae)), Japan, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and
Madagascar. It often has inclusions and is sometimes sold as "young amber". When it is treated or enhanced in an
autoclave (as is sometimes done to industrialized Baltic amber) it is used for jewelry. In its natural condition copal can be easily distinguished from old amber by its lighter citrine colour and its surface getting tacky with a drop of
acetone or
chloroform. Copal resin from
Hymenaea verrucosa (
Fabaceae) is found in
East Africa and is used in incense. East Africa apparently had a higher amount of
subfossil copal, which is found one or two meters below living copal trees, from roots of trees that may have lived thousands of years earlier. This subfossil copal produces a harder varnish. By the 18th century, Europeans found it to be a valuable ingredient in making a good wood
varnish. It became widely used in the manufacture of furniture and carriages. It was also sometimes used as a picture varnish. By the late 19th and early 20th century, varnish manufacturers in England and America were using it on train carriages, greatly swelling its demand. In 1859, Americans consumed 68% of the East African trade, which was controlled through the Sultan of
Zanzibar, with Germany receiving 24%. The
American Civil War and the creation of the
Suez Canal led to Germany, India, and Hong Kong taking the majority by the end of that century. Copal is still used by a number of
indigenous peoples of Mexico and
Central America as an incense, during
sweat lodge ceremonies and sacred mushroom ceremonies. == References ==