Sandalwood, a semi-parasitic small tree belonging to the genus *Santalum*, typically grows to a height of 8–15 meters with a trunk diameter of around 20–30 cm. Some smaller varieties may only reach 3–5 cm in diameter. Native to hot and humid regions such as eastern India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Fiji, sandalwood is highly prized for its unique qualities. Among the most renowned varieties is "Old Mountain Sandalwood" from India, known for its golden-yellow hue, rich oil content, and long-lasting fragrance. In contrast, sandalwood from Australia and Indonesia tends to have a slightly less refined texture, color, and aroma, often referred to as "Johor Baru Sandalwood."
Sandalwood trees grow very slowly, taking several decades to mature, and are extremely sensitive to environmental conditions. During their early growth stages, they rely on host plants like *Bauhinia* (phoenix trees), *Pterocarpus* (red bean trees), and *Acacia* to survive. This slow growth, combined with high demand, makes sandalwood rare and expensive, earning it the title of "King of Woods."
China has a long history of using sandalwood, dating back over 1,500 years. It has been used in religious carvings, medicinal preparations, and for extracting sandalwood oil. When identifying genuine sandalwood or its carvings, there are several key characteristics to consider:
First, the wood is hard, fine-grained, and smooth, with an air-dry density between 0.87 and 0.97 g/cm³. Its grain is straight or slightly curved, and the color usually ranges from yellowish-brown to dark brown. Over time, the color deepens and develops a natural sheen, though it may not match the patina of red sandalwood or huanghuali.
Second, the fragrance of sandalwood is mellow and long-lasting. While the scent may not be immediately strong, it releases a rich, natural aroma when shaved. Compared to other fragrant woods, it has a more subtle and authentic quality. However, some counterfeit products are artificially scented or treated to mimic the real thing.
Third, it's important to be cautious of imitations. Many woods, such as white eucalyptus, cedar, sassafras, and birch, are dyed and infused with artificial fragrances to pass as sandalwood. These imitations lack the quality and authenticity of true Indian or Indonesian sandalwood.
Fourth, sandalwood has significant medicinal value. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to regulate the heart, spleen, stomach, and lungs. It helps reduce inflammation, soothe the skin, and can even aid in treating respiratory issues. Sandalwood oil is widely used in skincare and aromatherapy for its cooling, moisturizing, and antiseptic properties.
Sandalwood can be classified by geography or botanical attributes. Historically, traders categorized it into types such as Laoshanxiang (Indian), Johor Bahru (Australian), Dimensional (Indonesian), and Sydney (Australian or Pacific). Botanically, there are over 70 species, including *Santalum album*, *Santalum spicatum*, and others. However, in trade, only a few varieties are commonly available.
In the Chinese market, Indian sandalwood is rare and expensive, while most available products come from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, or Africa. Prices vary significantly, with Indian sandalwood often costing eight to ten times more than African varieties. Authenticity and origin play a major role in determining value and quality.
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