The Copal reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004
(provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Copal

For thoughtful child sponsors
Copal, is a young fossilised resin, sometimes referred to as pom (the Maya language name). The word is derived from the Spanish word copalli, meaning incense. It is sometimes likened or (in sharp practice) substituted for amber and put in jewellery.

Many indigenous cultures in Mexico use fresh copal as an incense, used during energy cleanings and aura healings and during the temazcal, or sweat lodge ceremony. It is available in different forms. The hard, amber-like yellow copal is a less expensive version. The white copal, a hard, milky, sticky substance, is a more expensive version of the same resin.