Sierra Leone copal
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Description
A medium-hard variety of copal resin obtained from the Copaifera guibourtiana tree native to the British colony of Sierra Leone in Africa. Sierra Leone copal is a pale yellow uniform resin that has been used in varnishes.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Copaifera guibourtiana; copal de Sierra Leona (Esp.)
Other Properties
Slightly soluble in acetone, amyl alcohol, ethanol, benzene, ether, turpentine. Saponification number = 146-150; Acid number = 109-114. Most copals fluoresce white under short-wave UV light.
| Melting Point | 130-200 |
|---|
Hazards and Safety
Combustible, burning with a bright flame, dense smoke, and strong smell.
Sources Checked for Data in Record
- R. J. Gettens, G.L. Stout, Painting Materials, A Short Encyclopaedia, Dover Publications, New York, 1966 Comment: gives trees as Copaifera guibourtiana
- Art and Architecture Thesaurus Online, http://www.getty.edu/research/tools/vocabulary/aat/, J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles, 2000
- Website address 1 Comment: "Copal: An Immature and Controversial Resin" at www.emporia.edu/earthsci/amber/copal.htm - gives tree as Copaifera guibourthiana