Sandalwood, a semi-parasitic small tree belonging to the genus *Santalum*, typically grows to a height of 8 to 15 meters with a breast diameter ranging from 20 to 30 centimeters. Some smaller varieties may only reach 3 to 5 centimeters in diameter. This rare and valuable wood is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions such as eastern India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Fiji. Among these, Indian sandalwood—often referred to as "Old Mountain Sandalwood"—is considered the most premium variety. Known for its golden-yellow color, rich oil content, and long-lasting fragrance, it has been highly sought after for centuries.
In contrast, sandalwood from Australia, Indonesia, and other regions tends to have a slightly less refined texture, color, and aroma, often labeled as "Johor Baru Sandalwood." The slow growth of sandalwood trees, which can take decades to mature, adds to their scarcity. Additionally, young saplings are highly dependent on host plants like phoenix trees, red bean trees, and acacia trees to survive, making cultivation challenging and further increasing their value. Due to limited supply and high demand, sandalwood remains one of the most expensive woods in the world, often called the "King of Woods."
China has a long history of using sandalwood, dating back over 1,500 years. It has been used in crafting Buddhist statues, handicrafts, medicinal preparations, and for extracting sandalwood oil. When identifying genuine sandalwood or its carvings, several key characteristics should be considered:
First, the wood is hard, fine-grained, smooth, and has a pleasant feel. Its air-dry density ranges between 0.87 to 0.97 g/cm³. The grain is usually straight or slightly curved, with visible or barely noticeable growth rings. The natural color is generally yellowish-brown or dark brown, deepening over time with a good sheen, though it doesn't develop the same rich patina as red sandalwood or huanghuali.
Second, the scent of sandalwood is mellow and long-lasting. While the aroma may not be immediately strong, when shaved, it releases a rich, natural fragrance that lingers. Compared to incense made from other aromatic woods, it is more subtle and authentic. However, some counterfeit products are treated with artificial fragrances to mimic this scent, so caution is necessary.
Freshly cut sandalwood often has a pungent or sharp smell due to the presence of volatile compounds. It's common practice to let it age for some time before use, allowing the scent to mellow. Sandalwood that has been stored for decades or even centuries develops a warm, complex fragrance, considered the finest quality.
Third, buyers must be vigilant against imitations. Many woods, such as white eucalyptus, cedar, sassafras, birch, and others, are dyed and artificially scented to resemble sandalwood. These imitations are commonly used to make items like fans, Buddha statues, and prayer beads. However, they lack the quality and authenticity of genuine Indian or Indonesian sandalwood.
Fourth, sandalwood has significant medicinal value in traditional Chinese medicine. It is believed to have properties that regulate the heart, spleen, stomach, and lungs, helping with digestion, pain relief, and calming the mind. Externally, it can reduce inflammation, soothe the skin, and promote healing. When burned, it acts as an antiseptic. It’s used to treat conditions like sore throat, acne, infections, and asthma. Sandalwood oil, extracted from the wood, is widely used in skincare and aromatherapy for its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and soothing effects.
There are two main ways to classify sandalwood: by geography and by botanical attributes. Historically, traders classified it based on origin, such as Laoshanxiang (Indian), Johor Bahru (Australian), Dimensional (Indonesian), and Sydney (Australian or Pacific Island). Scientifically, there are around 70 species of *Santalum*, including sandalwood, fragrant sandalwood, New Caledonia sandalwood, large-flowered Australian sandalwood, and others. However, in the trade, only a few varieties—mainly Indian, Australian, and a few Indonesian types—are commonly available.
Currently, Indian sandalwood is extremely rare in the Chinese market, with most products being Indonesian, Papua New Guinean, or African sandalwood. Prices vary significantly, with Indian sandalwood often costing eight to ten times more than its African counterpart. This scarcity and high value make it a prized commodity among collectors, artisans, and herbalists alike.
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