I had to look it up. Underrated indeed!

Gutta percha is a natural latex sap derived from the sapodilla tree (Manilkara zapota), native to the tropical regions of Asia and Central and South America. The sap is harvested from the tree, and then processed to create a variety of products.

Properties of Gutta Percha:

1. **Thermoplastic**: Gutta percha is a thermoplastic material, meaning it can be molded and shaped when heated, and then hardened when cooled.

2. **Biocompatible**: Gutta percha is biocompatible, non-toxic, and non-irritating, making it suitable for use in medical and dental applications.

3. **Impermeable**: Gutta percha is impermeable to water and other fluids, making it a useful material for creating seals and barriers.

Uses of Gutta Percha:

1. **Dental applications**: Gutta percha is widely used in dentistry as a filling material for root canals, due to its ability to seal and protect the tooth from bacteria and other contaminants.

2. **Medical applications**: Gutta percha is used in medical applications, such as in the manufacture of surgical implants, catheters, and other medical devices.

3. **Electrical insulation**: Gutta percha is used as an electrical insulator, due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and its resistance to electrical conductivity.

4. **Crafts and hobbies**: Gutta percha is used in crafts and hobbies, such as in the creation of jewelry, decorative items, and other novelty products.

History of Gutta Percha:

Gutta percha has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and crafts in Asia and Central and South America. In the 19th century, it was introduced to Europe and became widely used in various applications, including dentistry and electrical insulation. Today, gutta percha is still used in a variety of applications, and is valued for its unique properties and versatility.

Interesting facts about Gutta Percha:

1. **Name origin**: The name "gutta percha" comes from the Malay words "getah" (sap) and "percha" (tree).

2. **Tree tapping**: Gutta percha is harvested from the sapodilla tree by tapping the tree and collecting the sap.

3. **Sustainable resource**: The sapodilla tree is a sustainable resource, as it can be tapped repeatedly without harming the tree.

Overall, gutta percha is a unique and versatile material with a wide range of applications, from dental and medical uses to crafts and hobbies. Its biocompatibility, impermeability, and thermoplastic properties make it a valuable resource in many industries.