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Home / Products / Angola Copal
Angola Copal
Angola Copal
Angola Copal
Angola Copal
Angola Copal
Angola Copal

Angola Copal

Angola Copal is a clear golden-coloured to black-speckled, translucent, semi-fossilized resin. It is tough and brittle, fractures like flint or Obsidian, and has no scent until burned. It is collected sustainably from the ground where it fell eons ago.

$6.00 - $212.00

Frequently asked questions

Some questions and answers are automatically generated.

What does Angola Copal smell like when burned?
Angola Copal produces a sweet, dry woody/citrus scent wrapped in soft vanilla when burned, according to the product description. Reviewers consistently describe it as rich, grounding, and warm, with notes of orange, rosin, and flowers. It dissolves entirely on charcoal with no charred aftertaste.
Does it have a scent before burning?
No. The product description states it has no scent until burned—the fragrance only develops when it is heated on charcoal.
How does Angola Copal compare to other copals?
Reviewers note Angola Copal is notably richer and more grounding than white copals, which have a bright citrus-pine sparkle. One reviewer compared it to white copal Santo and found Angola Copal the richest of the three varieties they tried.
What size chunks does it come in?
Most reviewers report receiving large, generous chunks—some describe pieces ranging from 1 to 6 cm. Several note the product comes in big nuggets, and many comment positively on the quantity and size.
Is Angola Copal sustainably and ethically sourced?
Yes. The product description confirms it is collected sustainably from the ground where it fell naturally. One reviewer specifically praised it for being sustainably and ethically sourced, and the description notes the seller works with a Canadian Angolan partner who pays fair prices to remote rural communities.
Can this be used for jewelry or lapidary work?
Yes. The product description states it can be used similarly to amber in jewelry production and can be cut, faceted, and polished with regular lapidary tools and materials, due to its hardness and clarity.
What other uses does Angola Copal have?
Beyond burning as incense, it dissolves in pure alcohol and turpentine, making it suitable for high-grade lacquers and varnishes. One reviewer uses it melted in linseed oil to create art painting varnish following old master recipes.
Does it work well for scalp or smudging?
At least one reviewer reports using it successfully for scalp and smudging practices, noting it was better quality than a previous batch from another vendor.
How long does a supply last?
Reviewers indicate the quantity is generous relative to price. One reviewer with a 16 oz (500g) order noted it comes in large pieces and 'will last forever.' However, longevity depends on frequency of use.
Is there any oily smell when burned?
One reviewer mentioned experiencing a strong oil smell when burning it, though this was not a common complaint. Most other reviewers describe only the sweet, woody, citrus, and vanilla notes mentioned in the product description.
Angola Copal resin is derived from Copaifera demeusii and C. mapane trees, it makes a beautiful incense with a sweet, dry woody/citrus scent wrapped in a haze of soft Vanilla. It dissolves entirely on the charcoal and has no charred afternote like some types of Frankincense and Myrrh.

Because of its hardness and clarity, it is an excellent material for making high-grade, durable lacquers and varnishes and was highly prized till the advent of petroleum-based finishes. It dissolves in pure alcohol and Turpentine.

Angola Copal can be burned on its own or compounded with other aromatic materials in sticks, cones, pastilles or loose incense.

This beautiful materal can be used similarly to amber in the production of Jewellery.

It can be cut, faceted and polished with regular lapidary tools and materials

My partner in acquiring this and other Angolan aromatics is a Canadian Angolan who is dedicated to supporting impoverished rural Angolan communities. He travels to remote areas in the bush and pays the communities a fair price to collect their traditional aromatic and medicinal materials sustainably. He hopes to set up small cottage industries to add value to these natural resources and eventually establish a community-based essential oil distillation plant to process aromatic materials and inject more revenue into the local economies.

Though this resin is only available in small quantities in the shop, wholesale inquiries are welcome. Contact me here through Etsy, or at connect@apothecarysgarden.com for a quote on discounted rates for kilograms or tons,

Dan

Materials: oleoresin, Copal, Angola Copal, Copaifera.

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