| Original Message: Re: "Red Copal" Beads |
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Dear BM, The vast majority of beads that are called "copal" are actually plastic from Europe (and now China). I first exposed this fact in my article on amber for The Bead Journal in 1976. Nevertheless, it remains a commonplace misrepresentation. "Copal" is a general name for semi-fossil resins that have not naturally polymerized enough to be considered to be true amber. They essentially remain resin, have a low melting point, and oxidize and self-destruct in a short period. The primary sources of copal are: Meso-America, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and traditionally two locations in Africa. They are Zanzibar in E Africa and Sierra Leone in W. Africa. In recent years, Guinea-Bissau (north of Sierra Leone) has provided material used for beadmaking—and these beads are now widely commercially available (though sometimes sold as "amber"). The color of copal is generally translucent (almost clear) and almost colorless, with a yellowish tint. I don't know of any red copal. The older copal is (in terms of its acquisition and use—NOT its geological age), the more yellow it tends to become, through oxidation. Red beads that are sold as "copal" are most likely to be phenolic plastics, made from a material that was invented in 1926 (and frequently mistaken for Bakelite). Of course, many different red plastics have been used for making fake amber or "copal" beads as well. I generally don't put values on beads in public forums, for the most part. Appraising beads is one of my occupations. I have been known to remark whether, in my opinion, a posted price/cost is a deal or a rip-off, however. Can you show us a photograph? Jamey All rights reserved by Bead Collector Network and its users |
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