Indian lobular rosewood, also known as sandalwood rosewood, was one of the primary materials used in the furniture of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. This gives it a deep historical and cultural significance. By the middle of the Qing Dynasty, this rare wood was mostly reserved for royalty and nobility due to its rarity and unique aroma. Additionally, its origin is not native to China, adding an air of mystery around it. In recent years, China has seen a surge in red sandalwood collecting, turning it into a popular investment. As a result, red sandalwood has entered the domestic market through various channels, and is now widely used by the public to make bracelets, handles, decorative items, and even furniture. Today, there are many types of woods available in the market, such as big-leaf red sandalwood, small big-leaf red sandalwood, and African lobular rosewood. However, only one type is considered true red sandalwood — scientifically known as *Pterocarpus santalinus*, commonly referred to as "lobular rosewood." It is valued not just for its beauty but also for its medicinal properties. The best quality comes from southern India, where it has the richest color and finest texture. With so many similar-looking woods on the market, how can you tell real red sandalwood from the imitations? Below, I’ve compiled a practical guide based on my own experience and research to help you identify genuine Indian lobular rosewood. These methods have been tested over time and work reliably, whether you're dealing with old or new materials, furniture, or even treated fakes. 1. Red sandalwood is denser than water. If it sinks completely, it's a good sign. If it floats, it’s likely not real.
2. Rub a piece of the wood on white paper. Real red sandalwood leaves an orange-colored scratch.
3. Soak small chips in water for about 12 hours. A blue, oil-like fluorescence should appear on the surface. This helps distinguish it from other rosewoods like *Dalbergia chinensis*.
4. After soaking, check the color of the wood chips. Real red sandalwood will show a blue fluorescent glow.
5. Place the wood in alcohol. Genuine red sandalwood will release a reddish liquid.
6. Look at the growth rings on the cross-section. Red sandalwood typically has very subtle or no visible growth rings.
7. Observe the color. Fresh cuts are orange-red, while older pieces turn dark purple or black with dark streaks.
8. Smell the wood. When rubbed, it emits a faint, subtle scent — different from the strong aroma of burned sandalwood.
9. Examine the texture. Real red sandalwood has a wavy or curly grain pattern, often resembling "bovine hair."
10. Check for an oily texture. True red sandalwood feels smooth and slightly greasy to the touch.
11. For advanced identification, examine the cross-section under a magnifier (at least 30x). Compare it with the national standard "Redwood" descriptions and images. This step is especially useful when in doubt. These steps are ideal for beginners or those unfamiliar with red sandalwood. Experts can usually identify it quickly using macroscopic features like fluorescence, color, and texture. However, for most people, following these 11 steps ensures accuracy. Note: Among the more than 20,000 wood species worldwide, only three types exhibit all three characteristics — fluorescence, scratching, and sinking in water. These include true red sandalwood, more broccoli, and dyed rosewood. The methods described above have been tested in real-world scenarios and are effective regardless of the wood’s age or treatment. Whether it's old material, new furniture, or fake-treated wood, these techniques can help you identify the real thing accurately. Even if someone tries to fake it with pigments, removing the surface layer and testing it again will reveal the truth. Carousel Pipettor Stand,Micro Pipette Carousel,Micro Pipettor Stand,Plastic Linear Pipettor Holder Taizhou TOPAID Medical Device Co,,ltd , https://www.topaidgen.com