Welcome to the intriguing world of agarwood! As a beginner looking to purchase this precious material, it's important to understand the basics to ensure you're getting an authentic product. Agarwood, known for its rich aroma and unique properties, can be an excellent addition to your collection, whether for personal use or as an investment. Here are four essential points to consider when purchasing agarwood:
1）Oil Texture
Agarwood is renowned for its natural oils, which contribute to its unique scent and appearance. When evaluating agarwood:
Fragrance Origin: The scent of agarwood comes from its natural oils. These oils evaporate very slowly, which means the aroma lasts a long time. The slow evaporation means the fragrance naturally remains for many years, maintaining its enchanting aroma.
Determinant of Buoyancy: The oil content in agarwood is key to whether it sinks or floats in water. Water has a density of 1g per cubic centimeter. If the combined density of the agarwood's wood and oil is higher, the wood will sink. This sinking or floating is an indicator of the agarwood's quality and oil content.
Oil Streaks and Appearance: The streaks seen in agarwood are due to the distribution of its natural oils. These streaks, which can appear as grain-like lines or block-like spots, are not just decorative. They are important for assessing the quality of agarwood, as they indicate the presence and amount of oil.
Essentially, the oil in agarwood is fundamental to its character and value. The presence and concentration of oil are key in determining the quality of the agarwood. Generally, the higher the oil content, the better the quality of the agarwood. Therefore, both enthusiasts and beginners should give special attention to the oil content when choosing agarwood, as it's a strong indicator of its overall excellence.
2） Weight and Colour
The physical characteristics of agarwood are a good indicator of its authenticity:
Lightweight Yet Dense: Authentic agarwood is surprisingly light for its size, yet it feels dense. It should not feel overly heavy or bulky.
Dark Coloration: Genuine agarwood generally has a dark colour, ranging from dark brown to black. The colour is a result of the rich resin within the wood.
3）Scent Analysis
Scent is perhaps the most distinctive feature of agarwood, and it's crucial in determining its authenticity:
Natural Aroma: Real agarwood emits a complex, woody scent with varying undertones—sweet, musky, or even slightly floral. The aroma should be pleasant and natural.
Beware of Chemical Smells: If you detect a strong chemical or overly perfumed scent, it could be an indication of artificial fragrance, suggesting that the agarwood is not genuine.
4）Visit Agarwood Shops with Magnifying Machines
When possible, visit shops equipped with magnifying machines. These specialized tools allow for a more detailed examination of agarwood, helping you to make a more informed decision. Staff at these shops can often provide additional insights and guidance on assessing the quality and authenticity of agarwood：
Examine the Structure: Look at the agarwood under a magnifying machine to observe its natural structure. Authentic agarwood will have an irregular, organic pattern, with resin visibly distributed throughout the wood.
Spot Artificial Additives: Using magnification, you can also check for any signs of artificial additives or colorants, which are common in counterfeit products.
Real agarwood should have oil pores, wood rays and oil streaks.
Conclusion
Purchasing agarwood can be a delightful and enriching experience for beginners, but it's important to make informed decisions. By focusing on the oil texture, weight and colour, scent, and examining the wood under a magnifying scope, you can significantly improve your chances of acquiring genuine, high-quality agarwood. Remember, developing the skill to spot genuine agarwood takes practice and patience. Taking your time to understand and appreciate agarwood's unique characteristics not only enhances your ability to identify authentic pieces but also makes the purchasing process more rewarding. Embrace the journey of learning and discovery in the world of agarwood.
Happy agarwood hunting!
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information on agarwood and its purchasing process, we do not guarantee the authenticity or quality of any agarwood products based on this guide alone. The identification of genuine agarwood can be complex and may require professional expertise. We recommend consulting with experienced and reputable agarwood professionals or suppliers for definitive assessments. Agarwood's appearance, scent, and other characteristics can vary, and personal discretion is advised when making purchases. This guide does not hold responsibility for any purchase decisions or outcomes resulting from its content.
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