A study of amber and copal samples using FT-Raman spectroscopy

FT-Raman spectra were collected from fossil resins originating from a variety of geographical locations. The spectral profiles of most of the fossil resins could be related to modern resins containing diterpenoid components with predominantly labdane skeletons. The spectra collected from the fossil resin sample from Borneo differed from other fossil resins and was found to contain triterpenoid components. The differences in the spectral profile of fossil resins containing diterpenoid components are shown to relate to differences in level of maturation rather than geographical origin. FT-Raman spectra of fossil resins cannot be used to distinguish source although the degree of maturation can be used as an indicator to narrow the range of possible geographical origins. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.