Sandalwood has been cherished in India for thousands of years. Its soft fragrance, cooling effect, spiritual purity, and long-lasting aroma make it one of the most valuable woods in the world. However, because it is rare and expensive, the market is now filled with duplicate, mixed, or chemically scented alternatives that look similar to the real one. Therefore, learning how to identify original sandalwood has become absolutely essential—especially if you purchase it for puja, meditation, skincare, or healing rituals.
In this guide, you will not only learn simple home tests to check authenticity but also understand how real sandalwood behaves, smells, and reacts differently. Moreover, you will also find recommendations for choosing the Buy Online Pure sandalwood, selecting the Best sandalwood store online, and even how sandalwood connects beautifully with the cultural essence of Indian yatra routes, which makes it popular among people taking Best India tours.
How to Identify Original Sandalwood – Home Tests Using Buy Online Pure sandalwood
Sandalwood is expensive, which is why fakes are everywhere—plastic-scented wood, chemically perfumed blocks, or even compressed dust pieces. These fake items may look tempting because they are cheaper, but they do not carry any of the real benefits. Therefore, learning a few simple tests can help you verify purity at home without any expert tools.
Below are the most trusted, easiest, and effective ways to test real sandalwood.
1. The Fragrance Test – The Most Reliable Way to Identify Real Sandalwood
The natural fragrance of sandalwood is its biggest identity. Unlike synthetic sandal scents, real sandalwood has a deep, earthy, creamy aroma that becomes stronger with warmth.
How to Test the Aroma
- Rub the wood gently with your thumb.
- After a few seconds, smell the area you rubbed.
What Original Sandalwood Smells Like
- Woody yet sweet
- Deep and earthy
- Soft, creamy, and long-lasting
- Never sharp, pungent, or chemical-like
Signs of Fake Sandalwood
- Very strong perfume smell
- Sharp or artificial notes
- Fragrance disappears quickly
- Scent comes more from the surface than from within the wood
Real sandalwood builds a richer fragrance as it warms. Additionally, the scent stays on your fingers for long, which is another sign of purity.
2. The Rubbing Test – Create Natural Sandal Paste
This test is another easy method used in temples and traditional households.
How to Perform the Test
- Take the sandalwood block.
- Rub it on a clean stone, tile, or a grinding surface.
- Add a few drops of water if needed.
What Happens with Original Sandalwood
- It forms a smooth, creamy, yellowish paste.
- The paste is soft and fragrant.
- The color never appears too bright or synthetic.
What Happens with Fake or Mixed Sandalwood
- Creates rough, grainy paste
- Produces almost no fragrance
- Color looks pale, dull, or artificial
This test not only confirms authenticity but also shows the quality grade of the wood.
3. The Density or Floating Test
Real sandalwood is naturally dense. Because of its essential oil content, it sinks in water.
How to Test
- Fill a bowl with room-temperature water.
- Place the wood piece in the bowl.
Original Sandalwood Sinks
If the wood sinks slowly or completely, it is real.
If it floats or feels extremely lightweight, it is likely fake.
Although this test is quite simple, it is very effective for identifying pure sandalwood pieces and beads.
4. The Heat Test – Warm It Slightly
When you apply a little heat, original sandalwood releases a stronger natural aroma.
How to Test Safely
- Warm the wood slightly using your palm, or
- Keep it near a warm surface (not fire)
Real Sandalwood Reaction
- Aroma becomes richer and warmer
- Smell spreads instantly
- Wood does not melt, bubble, or discolor
Fake Wood Reaction
- Smell becomes chemical
- Some woods even smell like plastic
- Heat creates a sticky surface or dark patches
Because sandalwood’s essential oils react to warmth, this test helps separate genuine pieces from imitations.
5. The Oil Spot Test – Check Natural Essential Oil Content
Real sandalwood contains 3–6% natural oil, which is why it is so valuable.
How to Test
- Wrap the wood in tissue paper.
- Keep it pressed for 10–15 minutes.
Result of Pure Sandalwood
- Light oil marks appear on tissue
- Smell becomes more prominent
Result of Fake Sandalwood
- No oil marks
- Scent remains unchanged
The natural oil is the main reason sandalwood remains aromatic for decades.
6. Check the Color and Texture
If the sandalwood is real, its color will fall into the natural spectrum:
Original Sandalwood Color
- Yellowish-brown
- Warm and creamy tones
- Even, consistent shade throughout
Fake Sandalwood Color
- Too light or too pale
- Too orange or too yellow
- Color looks painted or artificial
Texture Differences
- Real sandalwood feels smooth and slightly waxy
- Fake sandalwood feels rough, dry, or overly polished
Because sandalwood is dense, its texture is always naturally smooth and premium.
7. Powder Test – How to Identify Original Sandalwood Powder
Today, sandalwood powder is more commonly faked than blocks. However, you can still test it easily.
Original Sandalwood Powder
- Creamy yellow or pale brown
- Smells warm and sweet
- Never dusty white or bright yellow
Fake Sandal Powder
- Brightly colored
- Strong perfume smell
- Turns watery when mixed instead of forming smooth paste
Choosing the Best sandalwood store online is important because powder is the easiest to adulterate with perfumes and talcum.
8. Difference Between Red Sandalwood & Original Sandalwood
Many sellers confuse customers by mixing red sandalwood (Rakta Chandan) with the original yellow sandalwood (Santalum album). Both have different uses.
Yellow Sandalwood (Original)
- Fragrant
- Used in puja, meditation, Ayurveda
- Creates smooth paste
Red Sandalwood
- Non-fragrant
- Dark red
- Used for skincare and medicinal purposes
Although both are beneficial, they should not be substituted for each other.
9. Why Buying Original Sandalwood Matters
Because sandalwood is sacred, its purity affects spiritual practices deeply. In fact, genuine sandalwood enhances meditation, brings calmness, and increases focus. Moreover, it is also used in:
- Pujas
- Havan rituals
- Chandan tilak
- Healing traditions
- Skincare treatments
- Ayurvedic medicines
If you rely on sandalwood for spiritual or personal use, purity is essential. Therefore, choosing a trusted platform for the Buy Online Pure sandalwood becomes necessary.
10. Tips to Buy Original Sandalwood Online
Buying online is convenient, but you must be cautious. Here’s how to do it safely:
Check Customer Reviews
Real customers always mention fragrance, color, and purity.
Look for Certifications
Trust stores that mention origin and authenticity.
Compare Prices
If the price is too cheap, it is fake.
Original sandalwood is expensive and long-lasting.
Choose Trusted Stores
Always pick the Best sandalwood store online that provides pure wood, chips, powder, and essential oil.
Ask Questions
Authentic sellers respond quickly and transparently.
11. Why Sandalwood Is Popular on Indian Pilgrimage Routes
Sandalwood plays a huge role in Indian spiritual travel. People buy it during:
- Varanasi temple tours
- South India spiritual yatras
- Puri Jagannath journeys
- Kedarnath–Badrinath pilgrimages
Because sandalwood symbolizes purity, devotees often purchase it while going on the Best India tours to temples and sacred destinations.
Conclusion
Identifying real sandalwood is not difficult if you know what to check. Its natural fragrance, creamy paste, heavy weight, rich color, and oil content all reveal authenticity. Moreover, simple home tests like the floating test, rubbing test, and warm-test help you avoid fake items.
Whether you use sandalwood for puja, meditation, skincare, or healing, always purchase from trusted sellers offering:
- Buy Online Pure sandalwood
- Best sandalwood store online
- Products connected to the sacred aura of Best India tours
Because when sandalwood is pure, its benefits—spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical—become infinitely more powerful.