Dammar gum is obtained from the Dipterocarpaceae family of trees in India and East Asia, principally those of the genera Shorea, Balanocarpus, or Hopea. Most is produced by tapping trees, however some is collected in fossilized form from the ground. The gum varies in colour from clear to pale yellow, while the fossilized form is grey-brown.

It is used in foods, as either a clouding or a glazing agent, in the making of incense, varnishing and in other processes. Dammar was first introduced as a picture varnish in 1826 and is commonly referred to as Damar varnish.

The name is a Malay word meaning "resin" or "torch made from resin".

There are two further types of Damar, besides the gum:

• "Mata kucing" ("cat's eye") is a crystalline resin usually in the form of round balls.
• "Batu" ("stone") is the name given to the stone or pebble-shaped opaque damar collected from the ground.

Material safety

Physical data

• Appearance: white powder
• Melting point: approx. 120 °C
• Density (kg per m³): 1.04-1.12
• Water solubility: xylene
• Refractive index: approx. 1.5
• CAS number: 9000-16-2
• EINECS: 232-528-4
• Harmonised Tariff: 1301-90

Stability

• Stable. Probably combustible. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Toxicity

Low toxicity, however inhalation of dust may cause allergies