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Glite Dictionary
copalite

copalite

9.9
A hardened tree resin dug from the ground that is between copal and amber
  • noun
  • /ˈkōpəˌlīt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : copalito
  • Fossil hunters discovered a rare piece of copalite while excavating in East Africa.

Examples

  • Copalite is often confused with true amber due to its appearance and origin.

  • The ancient copalite samples were analyzed to determine their age and composition.

  • The geologist discovered a rare copalite specimen in the cave.

  • Ancient artifacts made from copalite were found in the excavation.

  • Fossil hunters discovered a rare piece of copalite while excavating in East Africa.

  • The ancient copalite samples were analyzed to determine their age and composition.

  • The geologist discovered a rare piece of copalite during his exploration of the cave.

Synonyms

fossil copal
vscopalite
  • Specialized
9.9

A hard tree resin partly turned to stone and found underground

is the coined form for this partly mineralized resin stage
copaline
vscopalite
  • Specialized
9.9

Old tree sap that is partly turned to stone

is the same intermediate resin stage but uses an alternate term

How Fossilized

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

Surface Forms

copalite singular
copalites plural

Morphology

copalite = copal (transparent) = copal + ite

Formed by the productive mineral/stone suffix '-ite' added to 'copal', so the meaning 'a mineral/stone related to copal' is directly derivable from the base.

Etymology

The word copalite comes from copal, a tree 'resin' once used as 'incense', and the mineral ending -ite meaning 'stone', as in graphite. So copalite is a 'copal stone', resin that has partly become a mineral and sits between copal and amber.