Agarwood Identification Techniques:
Agarwood is generally easy to recognize, but it can be challenging to identify from pictures alone. The image I sent you shows a water-sinking agarwood piece. First-grade agarwood is too soft and prone to deformation, making it unsuitable for use in bracelets. Instead, it’s typically used for high-quality incense or religious purposes. Agarwood is divided into two main types: dead and heavy. The living and sinking varieties only emit fragrance when burned, making them the most valuable for premium incense products.
The first type of agarwood, known as "inverted frame," is considered the highest quality. It usually comes from primary or secondary classifications. This type has been carefully selected, meaning the rest are the best parts. Therefore, inverted frame agarwood bracelets are not just one or two grades—they’re rare. I rarely come across such bracelets on the market.
The second type is "water sink." These pieces are typically found in marshy areas and range from first to second grade. Their quality varies widely, so it's important to understand the differences between them.
Now, let's discuss the classification and identification of water-sinking agarwood bracelets.
Second-grade agarwood is often labeled as "A goods" in the market. Here’s how to identify A-grade water-sinking agarwood:
(1) Appearance: A-grade agarwood has fine surface pores. If the pores are large, it’s likely B-grade (third-level). Unlike black soil agarwood, which is mostly black, water-sinking A-grade agarwood tends to be dark brown or even dark blue. If someone claims their black-colored bracelet is A-grade, it might actually be a second-grade water-sink. This is often a sign of either poor knowledge or dishonesty.
(2) Smell: This is the most crucial method for identification. Agarwood has a unique, medicinal scent that’s hard to describe. The difference between water-sinking and soil-sinking agarwood lies in the intensity—soil-sinking is stronger and more intense, while water-sinking is milder and more refined. To truly test the smell, you can "drill" the wood by rubbing it near your nose. Real agarwood will release a smooth, flowing aroma that fills your nostrils. Another way is to place the bead under your pillow at night; if it's genuine, you’ll notice a subtle, intermittent scent. Fake ones won’t have this effect.
(3) Touch: Second-grade water-sinking agarwood may appear slightly oily, but it shouldn’t feel greasy to the touch. If it leaves an oily residue on your skin, it might be fake.
(4) Water Test: Place a bead in a cup of pure water. Genuine agarwood should sink quickly, but this isn’t a scientific standard. Some red sandalwood beads also sink, and the highest quality agarwood (like Qi Nan) may float partially. So, this test is only a rough guide.
The third type is "soil sink." Agarwood from Vietnam often comes from swampy areas where the surface is dry, but the bottom remains moist. As a result, a single piece of agarwood can have both soil-sinking and water-sinking sections. The difference between the two mainly lies in their fragrance and efficacy.
For identifying second-grade soil-sinking agarwood bracelets:
(1) Appearance: Soil-sinking agarwood is usually very dark, with only third-grade pieces appearing grayish. Second-grade soil-sinking is nearly black, and any gray coloration suggests it’s lower quality. The pores are finer than those of water-sinking agarwood, but they aren’t as delicate as the A-grade water-sink.
(2) Smell: The fragrance of second-grade soil-sinking agarwood is rich and mellow. It shouldn’t be overly strong. If it smells too much like medicine, it might be a counterfeit. You can still use the same methods—drilling, transparency, and placement—to judge its authenticity. The scent should be smooth and consistent, not intermittent.
(3) Touch: Even if it’s not shiny, the surface of the bead should feel slightly bumpy, indicating oil trapped in the pores.
(4) Water Test: Like water-sinking agarwood, soil-sinking pieces also sink in water.
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