Kauri gum, New Zealand

Kauri gum is unique to New Zealand, and I purchased this there.  It is similar to amber but not as old.  It is the resin of the kauri tree, a New Zealand tree species that can become giant and live over 1000 years.  The gum is produced by the tree to fill in damage and over time it hardens.  As trees produce the gum, die and decompose, the gum becomes part of the soil and swamps, from which it has been recovered by people.  The gum can be from a few 100 to a few 100,000 years old, and the clearer it is the older it probably is.  Younger gum is cloudier with a higher moisture content.

This specimen has a lovely deep colour and is clear with inclusions, much easier to see in person than with photos.  It has been tumble polished and is displayed on a custom wood base.  I've also included a photo of one of the largest living kauri trees, named Tane Mahuta, and of a display of historical gum finds at the Kauri Museum in Paparoa, NZ, which is a wonderful place to visit.

1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, 13/16 inch (2.0 cm) deep, 13/16 inch (2.0 cm) tall.