The Mystery of Resin
Published by No one knows for absolute sure why some trees secrete resin. However, with the aid of some marvelous macrophotography, although the mystery surrounding this subject cannot be solved for certain, its beauty – at times deadly – becomes evident.
Resin is a chemical that oozes out of various trees. It is known as a secretion rather than an excretion. Excretions are purely waste products whereas, although the reasons behind resin are still a little obscure, most scientists believe that it has some sort of purpose or function. It is probably not simply to trap insects, although there is something almost morbidly satisfying about the sight of an insect being ‘consumed’ by resin. Perhaps it is the fact we have watched Jurassic Park too many times and take some satisfaction in imagining a scientist in the year ten thousand working out the DNA of an amber trapped insect. Most probably is the wonder of seeing something trapped in time as perfectly preserved as it was on the day it died.
Resin is a hydrocarbon – that is it is made up of two elements and two elements only – hydrogen and carbon. So, it also qualifies as a compound, which is when something is made up of two or more elements. What is more it can also be called an organic compound – which is when one of the elements has to be carbon. Some hydrocarbons are impure as they contain traces or have bonded with other substance, and the same can be said of resin, so in this sense it is impure. So, all in all resin is an impure organic compound hydrocarbon – which is quite a mouthful to say the least. Try saying that with your mouth full.
Resin has a multitude of uses and is highly valued the world over. It is used in varnishes, which is a hard and transparent finish and it is pretty obvious why that idea first occurred to someone centuries ago. It can also be used as an adhesive – perhaps the insects trapped inside it gave one of our ancestors that idea – and is one of the ingredients that can be used to glue or stick one thing to another. More surprisingly, perhaps, it is also used in the manufacture of perfume and incense. You may remember frankincense from a story about someone born round about two thousand years ago and given to him on his birthday – that started its life out as a resin although its manufacture does render it synthetic.
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19 Responses to “The Mystery of Resin”
On January 9, 2010 at 11:48 am
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On January 10, 2010 at 2:16 pm
I loved this and the photos were amazing.
On January 10, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Rim Job Evans needs to go back to writing school.
On January 11, 2010 at 8:07 am
This was easy to read and understand! 10 points for teaching in an understandable manner!
On March 15, 2010 at 9:01 am
What a wonderful and informative read. Really enjoyed this! As a young boy in eastern England, I too used to trudge to the sea shore of the North Sea in Autumn and Winter hoping to find amber. Never did though. I still look for it now in jewellery shops though. I’m often found around the amber section carefully searching out a necklace or earings with added bugs for my wife! Great read.
On March 15, 2010 at 9:01 am
An extremely well-researched article as usual. Fascinating world!
Thank you RJ.
Very best wishes always,
François
On March 15, 2010 at 9:01 am
I hate it when I get the sap on my hands, it takes ages to remove. Interesting article.
On March 15, 2010 at 9:02 am
Interesting piece. I got stuck on it!
Thanks,
Clay
On March 15, 2010 at 9:02 am
Gorgeous pictures! Amber pieces are remarkable.
On March 15, 2010 at 9:02 am
lovely pics
On March 15, 2010 at 9:03 am
Nice piece….well work…
On March 15, 2010 at 9:03 am
Well informative. Thanks.
On March 15, 2010 at 9:03 am
Terrific information, That 1852 incident sounds like the basis for a good story.
On March 15, 2010 at 9:03 am
Another compelling well researched work, RJ. Well done.
On March 15, 2010 at 9:05 am
ITS EDUCATIONAL AND A KIND OF TRIVIA…… KEEP IT UP
On March 15, 2010 at 9:05 am
Wonderful information
great write ******
On March 15, 2010 at 9:12 am
nice article
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On March 15, 2010 at 9:52 am
even since i played uncharted 2 i wondered what resin is, and you my friend have clarified it for me, you are a God, thanks a lot
On May 18, 2010 at 12:22 am
thats really intresting!
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