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Glite Dictionary
copaline

copaline

9.9
Old tree sap that is partly turned to stone
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : copalina
  • The museum displayed specimens of copal, copaline, and amber to show their progressive mineralization.

Examples

  • The geologist discovered a piece of copaline while excavating the ancient riverbed.

  • Collectors value copaline for its intermediate qualities between copal and amber.

  • The copaline found in this area is incredibly rare.

  • I collected several pieces of copaline during my trip.

  • Collectors value copaline for its unique characteristics between copal and amber.

  • The geologist discovered a piece of copaline while digging at the site of an ancient riverbed.

  • The museum showcased samples of copal, copaline, and amber to illustrate their different stages of mineralization.

Synonyms

copalite
vscopaline
  • Specialized
9.9

A hardened tree resin dug from the ground that is between copal and amber

is an identical scientific term often used interchangeably for that resin
fossil copal
vscopaline
  • Specialized
9.9

A hard tree resin partly turned to stone and found underground

is the same concept but emphasizes the fossilized, underground state of the resin

How Fossilized

amber
24 5.7
copaline
  • Specialized
9.9
copal
  • Specialized
9.9
resin
  • Specialized
26 4.4

Surface Forms

copaline singular
copalines plural

Morphology

copaline = copal (transparent) = copal + ine

Formed by the noun 'copal' plus the productive suffix '-ine' meaning 'of or relating to, or composed of copal', so the sense is directly derived from the base.

Etymology

Copaline comes from copal, which itself comes from the Nahuatl word copalli meaning 'incense' or 'resin'. The ending -ine means 'like', so copaline literally means 'like copal', a resin that is partway between copal and amber.