Madagascar copal with insect inclusion – genuine pleistocene tree resin – frozen time specimen – with certificate of authenticity

Description

Step into the prehistoric past with this beautiful and genuine specimen of Copal containing inclusions, sourced directly from Madagascar and dating back to the Pleistocene Epoch (approximately 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago). This fossil resin preserves tiny ancient lifeforms—insects such as flies, ants, midges, beetles, and more—captured in incredible detail within natural tree resin.

Fossil & Geological Information:

• Specimen: Copal with Inclusion(s)
• Age: Pleistocene Epoch (~2.6 million–11,700 years ago)
• Location: Madagascar
• Material: Hardened tree resin (Copal)
• Scale Cube = 1cm – See photo for size reference
• Authenticity: 100% Genuine – Certificate of Authenticity included

What is Copal?

Copal is the younger geological form of Amber, a fossilised tree resin. While Amber takes millions of years to fully polymerise and fossilise, Copal is much younger (often up to several hundred thousand years old) and still retains much of its natural clarity and organic texture. It is often more translucent and lighter in colour than true Amber and may appear slightly cloudier due to trapped air or water during the hardening process.

Despite being geologically younger than Amber, Copal still preserves its inclusions in stunning detail, allowing us to view ancient life suspended in time.

About the Inclusions:

This specimen contains visible organic inclusions—most often insects like:

• Flies, gnats, and midges
• Ants and beetles
• Spiders and tiny wasps
• Occasionally plant matter, seeds, or pollen

These organisms became trapped in tree resin millions of years ago, and the resin eventually hardened into Copal through natural polymerisation. Unlike fossil bones, these are entire creatures—fully preserved in exquisite detail. This rare occurrence offers a remarkable scientific and visual insight into ancient life.

Tip: We strongly recommend using a magnifying glass or loupe to fully appreciate the delicate, often jaw-dropping preservation of the inclusion(s).

Scientific & Collector Value:

Copal inclusions offer incredible opportunities for:

• Paleontological study of insect evolution
• Educational use in schools, museums, or classrooms
• Collectors of fossils, Amber, or entomology specimens
• Unique gifts for nature lovers and science enthusiasts

Though not as old or durable as Amber, Copal provides a rare glimpse of Pleistocene life, making it both a stunning natural object and a fascinating scientific artifact.

Key Features:

• Genuine Pleistocene Copal with insect inclusion(s)
• Sourced from Madagascar – famous for its rich fossil resin deposits
• Clearly visible inclusions such as flies, ants, and other bugs
• Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Carefully selected and professionally photographed – you’ll receive the exact specimen shown
• Scale cube = 1cm – for accurate size reference
• Colours may vary slightly due to lighting or screen/device settings
• Specimens may be gently propped for photographic purposes
• Listing will be updated with a new specimen when sold

Bring home a frozen moment in time—this Madagascan Copal specimen offers an extraordinary glimpse into the prehistoric world, with insects preserved as if trapped only yesterday. A rare treasure for fossil lovers, science enthusiasts, and collectors alike.