Materials

Copal

From Nahuatl copalli, 'incense': a family of young resins from several unrelated trees, of which Mexican Bursera copal is the ceremonial one. Bright, citrus-pine smoke; the incense of Día de Muertos.

· Atlas · Materials

Copal
Typeresin
FormPale to golden translucent tears and pressed blocks
ExtractsRarely extracted; used raw.
RegulationNot restricted.

Scent facets

  • fresh
  • pine
  • citrus
  • clean
  • light

Botanical source

Origins

Main constituents

Uses

  • Mesoamerican ceremonial incense
  • Día de Muertos
  • varnish (hard copals)
  • amber substitute (semi-fossil)