Canada balsam

For other uses, see Balsam.
The balsam fir tree from which Canada Balsam is obtained is so named because it is found almost entirely within Canada in the boreal forest region.

Canada balsam, also called Canada turpentine or balsam of fir, is the oleoresin of the balsam fir tree (Abies balsamea) of boreal North America. The resin, dissolved in essential oils, is a viscous, sticky, colourless or yellowish liquid that turns to a transparent yellowish mass when the essential oils have been allowed to evaporate.

Canada balsam is amorphous when dried. It has poor thermal and solvent resistance.[1]

  1. ^ "The Bonding of Optical Elements – Techniques and Troubleshooting". Summers Optical. Archived from the original on February 20, 2007. Retrieved 10 Feb 2009.