From whence it came

Well not exactly.
:)
You can find more information about kauri gum here

I'm a beginner at this photography thing. Any hints, tips, constructive criticism or comments are welcome and appreciated.

It seems a piece of lava from a volcano.

12 Jul 2008 10:59am

@António Pires: Well there are plenty of volcanoes in New Zealand (about 50 in the Auckland area alone!) but no, this is kauri gum.

That's really an interesting read about kauri gum, and it's really beautiful. Very nice shot, and I learned something today. Thank you.

12 Jul 2008 11:09am

Very interesting info on the Kauri gum. It makes a very nice photo subject as it seems to be lit up from within.

12 Jul 2008 1:00pm

funny ! impossible to guess that it comes from a tree

12 Jul 2008 3:51pm

That makes an interesting read to go with your pic there. Looks like a natural form of treasure.

12 Jul 2008 4:00pm

learn something new everyday! thanks!! that's beautiful.

13 Jul 2008 1:51am

What a gorgeous rich amber color you got going here. That background is fabulous and goes perfect with the subject. Great artistic quality!

13 Jul 2008 3:08pm

beautiful colors

13 Jul 2008 5:43pm

At first I thought this was a slice of petrified wood.
Colours and textures are superb!

13 Jul 2008 6:31pm

That bokeh in the background is superb. Really nice mix you add to the main dish, the stone of course.

15 Jul 2008 2:15am

I like the title and the colors of the stone(?)

24 Jul 2008 11:49am

Really beautiful light and colors.

26 Jul 2008 8:30am

lovely light and bokeh in this shot and a great contrast between the glowing - almost alive - gum and the more muted tones of the background.

1 Aug 2008 8:52pm

Nikon D80
1/200 second
F/8.0
ISO 125
93 mm (35mm equiv.)