Different Categories of Red Sandal Wood
Generally, people call the sandal trees which have bigger leaves “rosewood” and those with smaller leaves “red sandals”. The latter kind, whose veins are hardly seen, is more precious. Renowned varieties of red sandals include cow-hair sandals, chicken-blood sandals and shining-star sandals.
Cow-hair sandals have a fur-like texture. With fine and curvy veins, they are usually made into furniture.
Chicken-blood sandals are rarely seen, and their rich deep red color is their most impressive characteristic. In the sapwood of this kind, there are usually zebra patterns.
Shining-star sandals are the most valuable of all kinds of sandal woods. The shining stars actually refer to the colloid crystallization of the wood fibers. After polishing, the wood will shine like silk in the sunlight, while its color remains an elegant purple-brown.
How to Identify Good Red Sandal Wood
Firstly, the density of red sandals is greater than water. The wood will sink in the water very quickly.
Also, when cut, the inner wood will be found to be redder than its surface. That is because the outer wood will have a deeper color owing to oxidization.
Thirdly, if one rubs alcohol on the wood, its color will also turn deeper.
In addition, the carvings need not to be lacquered on. It will bring out its glossiness again after being buffed.
Lastly, little leaf red sandals give off a fragrance of incense.
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