What affects the hardness of mastic gum tears?

The hardness is affected by the size of the tear (smaller tears dry and harden faster, larger ones remain soft inside), temperature (heat softens, cold hardens), freshness (freshly harvested mastic is soft and elastic, hardens over time), and natural variation among each tear.

How can I prevent clumping and what should I do if it happens?

To prevent clumping, store mastic and capsules in the fridge, avoid moisture, and protect from light and heat. If clumping occurs, simply crush the resin or capsule contents before use. The flavor and effectiveness remain unchanged.

Why is Mastic Gum Sometimes Soft and Sometimes Hard?

Q: Why do crystals or powder in capsules sometimes clump together?

Clumping mainly happens with larger, softer tears when exposed to heat, humidity, or light. Capsules with pure mastic powder can also harden or clump if exposed to heat or moisture. This is a natural feature of pure resin without chemical additives and does not affect effectiveness.

If you've ever opened a jar of mastic gum and found resin tears that were either rock-hard or soft and rubbery – don’t worry. It’s completely natural. Mastic is a 100% natural resin from the Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia tree and reacts to environmental conditions.

The same applies to powdered mastic gum in capsules – especially Mastic Strong&Pure, which contains no anti-caking agents or additives. The capsule contains pure mastic gum powder of the highest quality, which can be just as sensitive to humidity and heat as the crystals themselves.

What affects mastic gum tears hardness?

Size of the tear – Smaller tears dry and harden faster, larger ones often remain soft inside.
Temperature – Heat softens mastic, cold hardens it.
Freshness – Freshly harvested mastic gum is soft, aromatic, and elastic. Over time, it naturally hardens.
Natural variation – Each tear is unique and may have a different consistency.

Why do crystals (or powder in capsules) sometimes clump together?

Clumping mostly occurs with larger, softer tears – especially when stored in heat, humidity, or light. The tears naturally stick together. Don’t worry – this isn’t a defect but a natural feature of a pure resin without chemical treatment.

The same can happen with capsules filled with pure mastic gum powder – particularly in stronger formulas like Mastic Strong&Pure. If exposed to heat or moisture, the powder can harden or clump. This does not affect the effectiveness – it's still genuine Chios mastic.

How to prevent clumping?

Store mastic gum and capsules in the fridge – Cool temperature preserves consistency and freshness.
Avoid moisture – Keep jars tightly closed and away from steam or humid places.
Protect from light and heat – Sunlight and warmth accelerate softening and sticking.

What if the tears or capsules are already clumped?

No worries. Simply crush the resin – using a mortar, spice grinder, or even the back of a spoon. The powder can be added to water, yogurt, or taken as is.

With capsules, it’s the same – if the powder inside has hardened, open the capsule and crush the contents. The effect remains the same – it's still 100% pure, high-quality mastiha.

Juicy, aromatic, and soft mastic tears may naturally clump together. If this happens, simply crush and use as normal – flavor and effectiveness remain unchanged.