Hi there. Just a quick question for all you art geniuses out there.

The other day at work I received a small container of a substance called 'sandaral'. It consists of small ochre pebbles that appear much like damar crytals, but I have no clue what it might be.

If anyone might know what this mysteroius material might be, please post a response.

My thanks in advance.

-H-

What about contacting the sender?

Don't you know that it is unsafe to open mysterious packages that came to you in the mail?

LAST EDITED ON 17-Jul-02 AT 06:57 PM (PST)
 
I guess I could have been more clear about the origin of the container.

I work at a independently owned retail art supply store and the the small container was sent (along with a myriad of other supplies) from one of our locations that was closing down. When I inquired about the substance at both my store and the store that was closing no one seemed to know what it was. So you see it was not some anonymously sent package in the mail. Give me a little credit... puh-leez

Thanks for the advice anyway.

Anyone else have any ideas?

-H-

LAST EDITED ON 18-Jul-02 AT 06:40 PM (PST)
 
You got me there...

I have even checked Russian list of art materials (they are more traditional with it and still use stuff from the old cennini book... no galkyd bs..)

My guess would be a varnish composite, but you have thought of it yourself... check if it dissolves in alcohol...

Obscurum omnibus. Who else would name their new company in Mexico Aquavitae, Srl.?

I think you mean sandarac, a resin from Morroco. It is also an incense, try to burn a little bit and tell us how it smells.

Do a google search "sandarac" I started to read the results, it apparently acquires a ruby patina with age, like ruby shellac.

Much thanks Sculptari... and props on the research methodology.

I still have no idea how we acquired the stuff, but I am gratified to know what it is.

Thanks again.

-H-