Editing Copal (section)

== History and uses ==
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{{sfnp|Hoffeins|2012}}) 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]].{{sfnp|Grimaldi|1996|pp=16–20}} 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.{{sfnp|Mayer|1976|pages=194–196}} 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.{{sfnp|Sunseri|2009|pp=10–12}}

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.{{sfnp|Stross|1997}}