Gem and Ornamental

32 GEMS AND ORNAMKNTAL ~~ OF ORGANIC ORIGINFigure 136 Copal seeping on & of Kauri we.New zedand huriThe most famous of copals, the so-called kauri gum, is h m the Ag&australis (Fii. 1.36). Examples of this tree can still be seen today in acouple of the national forests in North Island, New Zealand. Thespecies almost died out following overcollection of the gum. Theproblem was exacerbated by the popularity of the mod, which,growing very straight and tall and with no lateral branches but only acrown at the top, was ideal for werything from ships' masts to housebuilding. Today all collection of copal, which is gathered h m aroundthe roots of the trees, is regulated, and indeed is only dowed if a treefalb from old age or other natural causes, Use of the wood is regdatedin the same way.Kauri gum is of a darker colour thun most mpds (Fig. 1.341, and,like the Japmese copd, some of it i turning into amber. It is mostly-parent and it conmius few inclusions. Insect inclusions arem e l y rare. It has been successfully worked into a variety of decorativeobjects and jewellery.