Kauri Gum Specimens from New Zealand (Copal)

Our selection of gorgeous New Zealand Kauri gum.

 

This product is currently out of stock and unavailable.

SKU: 44166 Categories: , Tag:
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Buy 5 or more: 5% off ● Buy 10 or more: 10% off ● Buy 20 or more: 20% off

Kauri Gum Specimens from New Zealand

Kauri Gum is an interesting form of Copal exclusively found in New Zealand.

Throughout much of the 18th and 19th centuries, it was exploited as an ingredient in wood varnish. Unfortunately, this means it is now quite rare - most of the surface pieces have already been collected, and specimens have to be dug from deeper and deeper in the ground.

It is becoming quite expensive, so we've been quite lucky to get some larger pieces at a decent price.

Kauri gum was prized by the Maori, who carved it into decorative objects or used it as a flammable substance for torch making.  One of my absolute favourite things about this material was shown to me by an old lapidary carver in New Zealand, somewhere around Rotorua - when you rub a Kauri gum specimen with your thumbs... give them a smell, you'll smell a pine scent.

Please note: Kauri gum can be extremely fragile depending on the specimen, and it can fade in direct sunlight too. Take care not to drop it!

Our current stock includes:

  • #1 - 116 grams, measuring approximately 84x65x45MM, a rich golden brown coloured piece that is quite clear. Would look amazing on an LED stand.
  • #2 - 90 grams, measuring approximately 73x57x44MM.
  • #3 - 50 grams, measuring approximately 50.5x50.5x33.5MM. This piece looks like it might have some cool inclusions in - I was tempted to polish it but just don't have the time.
  • Mixed specimens in various sizes - 30-40MM and 40-50MM.

Frequently asked questions and delivery information


How do we grade stones?

There is no overall universal grading system for the majority of our products. As such, the grades we use are internal only. They simply refer to higher and lower qualities, but they may be entirely different grades to other websites. C grade pieces are of lower quality than B grade, which is lower than A grade.

 

How does our ordering and delivery process work?

You place an order via the website. When it’s been picked and packed, your order will be marked as completed and dropped off at our local post office. We have an account with the post office called a “Drop and Go” account, which allows the post office staff to process our parcels when they have free time, rather than me queuing up and delaying everyone else.

I get tracking information etc online when this has been completed. I typically do not send tracking information to customers unless they request it – but if you’ve requested tracked postage, it has been sent tracked! If you have any worries or concerns about your parcel being delayed please feel free to get in touch and I’ll send the tracking info over! We also get delivery confirmations for parcels over 25MM thick by default.

 

How do international orders work?

After Brexit, with the UK leaving the European Union, certain things have changed with regards to international orders. European Union customers will now likely be liable to pay the same amount of import VAT as any other international customers. You will be responsible for any customs and import fees.

 

I’d like to return my order for a refund.

No problem at all – just get in touch and we’ll arrange it. You can read our full returns policy here.

 

What payment methods do you accept?

I can accept Paypal, Stripe, cheque, and direct bank transfers. Paypal and Stripe will both allow you to pay with credit and debit cards.

 

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