Small-leaf red sandalwood, known as the "King of Sandalwood," is highly sought after for its delicate texture, elegant color, and precious rarity. Many people are fond of wearing small-leaf red sandalwood bracelets, but the market is full of fakes, making it difficult to distinguish between true and false. Don't worry, I'm here to share some simple and practical methods to help you avoid getting ripped off!
First Move: Look at the Color and Texture
Color: Real small-leaf red sandalwood has a deep, dignified reddish-brown color. Freshly opened small-leaf red sandalwood is orange-red, and after oxidation, it will gradually turn dark red, purple-red, or even black-red. The color is natural and full of changes. Fake small-leaf red sandalwood often has an unnatural color, either too bright or too dull. Some are even painted to imitate the color of real small-leaf red sandalwood.
Texture (Grain): The texture of small-leaf red sandalwood is fine and dense, with obvious S-shaped growth rings (also known as bull's-eye patterns) and wavy grain lines. These growth rings are formed due to seasonal changes and slow growth, and are a unique characteristic of small-leaf red sandalwood. Fake small-leaf red sandalwood often has rough textures, unclear grain lines, or even no grain at all. Some use other woods dyed to imitate the grain, but the imitation is often stiff and unnatural.
Tip: Use a magnifying glass to observe the grain carefully. The grain of real small-leaf red sandalwood is natural and vivid, while the imitation grain is often uniform and monotonous.
Second Move: Feel the Weight and Density
Small-leaf red sandalwood is a very dense wood. Therefore, the weight of a real small-leaf red sandalwood bracelet will be heavier than other woods of the same size. You can compare it with other wooden bracelets you have to get a feel for the weight difference. If the bracelet feels very light, it is likely to be fake.
- Density: The density of small-leaf red sandalwood is generally between 1.05-1.26g/cm³. You can use a specific gravity bottle to measure its density, but this method is more complicated and requires professional tools. For everyday identification, feeling the weight is sufficient.
Third Move: Smell the Fragrance
Small-leaf red sandalwood has a unique sandalwood fragrance, which is light and elegant, and has a calming effect. When you gently rub the bracelet, you can smell a faint sandalwood fragrance. Fake small-leaf red sandalwood either has no fragrance, or has a pungent chemical smell. Some unscrupulous merchants will use chemical fragrances to imitate the sandalwood fragrance, but this fragrance is often too strong and unnatural.
- Smell Identification Precautions: The fragrance of small-leaf red sandalwood is not very strong and will gradually fade over time. Therefore, this method is more suitable for identifying new bracelets. Also, avoid using excessively fragrant perfumes or other products, which may interfere with your sense of smell.
Fourth Move: Rub with White Cloth
Rub the bracelet vigorously with a clean white cloth. Real small-leaf red sandalwood will leave a reddish-brown mark on the white cloth. This is because small-leaf red sandalwood contains sandalwood red pigment. Fake small-leaf red sandalwood either leaves no mark, or leaves a different color mark.
- Why This Works: The sandalwood red pigment in small-leaf red sandalwood is a natural pigment, and its color will not fade easily. This method is a simple and effective way to identify the authenticity of small-leaf red sandalwood.
Fifth Move: Observe the Fluorescence
Soak a small amount of wood shavings from the bracelet in water. Real small-leaf red sandalwood will produce a fluorescent reaction under light, and the water will appear light blue. This is also due to the sandalwood red pigment in small-leaf red sandalwood. Fake small-leaf red sandalwood will not produce a fluorescent reaction, or the fluorescent color will be different.
- Important Note: This method requires damaging the bracelet, so it is best to perform it on inconspicuous parts. Also, the fluorescent reaction of small-leaf red sandalwood is not very obvious, so you need to observe carefully under sufficient light.
Sixth Move: Burn Test (Not Recommended)
Burning a small piece of small-leaf red sandalwood will produce a fragrant sandalwood smell, and the smoke is white. Fake small-leaf red sandalwood will produce a pungent smell, and the smoke is black. However, this method is destructive and not recommended unless you are certain that the bracelet is fake.
- Risk Warning: Burning wood produces harmful gases, so be sure to perform this test in a well-ventilated area and take protective measures.
Common Counterfeiting Methods You Should Know
Using Other Woods: Some merchants use other woods, such as African sandalwood, blood sandalwood, or even dyed wood, to imitate small-leaf red sandalwood. These woods are cheaper and have similar appearances to small-leaf red sandalwood, making them difficult to distinguish.
Dyeing and Painting: Some merchants dye or paint inferior wood to imitate the color and texture of small-leaf red sandalwood. These fake products often have unnatural colors and stiff textures.
Plastic and Resin: Some unscrupulous merchants even use plastic or resin to make fake small-leaf red sandalwood bracelets. These fake products have no wood grain, are very light in weight, and have a pungent chemical smell.
Summary: Combining Multiple Methods for Identification
Identifying the authenticity of small-leaf red sandalwood bracelets requires combining multiple methods. Don't rely on just one method. By carefully observing the color, texture, weight, fragrance, and performing simple tests, you can greatly improve your chances of buying a real small-leaf red sandalwood bracelet. Remember, be cautious and don't be greedy for cheap prices. If you are unsure, it is best to seek the advice of professionals.
I hope these tips will help you. Good luck finding your perfect small-leaf red sandalwood bracelet!
