THE NATURE AND FATE OF NATURAL RESINS IN THE GEOSPHERE .3. REEVALUATION OF THE STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF HIGHGATE-COPALITE AND GLESSITE

The results of GC-MS, Py-GC-MS and spectroscopic (solid state C-13 NMR) studies of the structure and composition of two resinites, viz. Highgate Copalite and Glessite, which have been previously described as ''fossil elemi'' are described. GC-MS analyses of Highgate Copalite establish that this resinite is composed of a simple mixture of diterpenoid resin acids and n-alkyl materials. Based on comparison of these data with similar data obtained by analysis of modern rosin, it is concluded that this resinite is most probably derived from the resin of an undetermined species of pine. In order to accommodate resinites of this general character, it is proposed that an additional class, viz: Class V, be added to the classification system for resinites which we have previously proposed (Anderson et al., 1992). Py-GC-MS analysis of Glessite establish that this material is a typical Class la resinite closely related to Succinite (''normal'' or ''typical'' Baltic Amber). It is concluded that the previously assigned structural character of these two resinites is open to question.