1. Purpose of Grading
- Quality standardization: Helps buyers and producers communicate value.
- Market segmentation: Determines price for chips, oil, or incense.
- Inventory management: Helps track resin yield and plantation productivity.
2. Common Grading Categories
- A. Chips / Small Pieces
- Description: Broken or small resinous wood pieces.
- Characteristics:
- Color: Brown to black streaks
- Resin content: Moderate to high
- Aroma: Detectable, may require gentle heating for full fragrance
- Use: Incense, small-scale burning, or oil distillation
- Price: Lower than larger, denser blocks
- B. Sinking Grade
- Definition: High-density resinous wood that sinks in water due to resin impregnation.
- Characteristics:
- Very dark brown to black
- Heavy, dense, and often sticky
- Strong, rich aroma
- Use: Premium incense, high-quality oil extraction
- Price: Higher than chips; considered high-quality agarwood
- C. Super Grade / Superior Grade
- Definition: Highest resin content with superior fragrance and appearance.
- Characteristics:
- Nearly fully black resin-saturated wood
- Very dense and heavy (usually sinks in water)
- Complex, long-lasting aroma with multiple scent notes
- Use: Luxury incense, perfumery, and rare medicinal products
- Price: Top-tier; reserved for collectors or high-end buyers
- D. Incense Grade
- Definition: Agarwood suitable for burning directly or in traditional rituals.
- Characteristics:
- Moderate resin content
- Aromatic when burned
- May include small chips and low-density portions
- Use: Religious, ceremonial, or daily incense
- Price: Varies depending on resin content and size
3. Key Grading Parameters
| Parameter | Chips | Sinking Grade | Super Grade | Incense Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resin content | Moderate | High | Very high | Low to moderate |
| Density | Medium | Heavy | Very heavy | Light to medium |
| Color | Brown to black streaks | Dark brown/black | Nearly black | Brown streaks |
| Fragrance | Detectable on heating | Strong | Very strong, complex | Aromatic when burned |
| Uses | Oil, small incense | Premium incense, oil | Luxury incense, perfumery | Rituals, daily incense |
| Market value | Low | Medium-high | Highest | Low-medium |
4. Grading Tips
- Density test: Drop small pieces in water; sinking pieces indicate higher resin content.
- Visual inspection: Look for uniform dark streaks in wood.
- Smell test: Gently warm or rub wood; aroma intensity is a key quality marker.
- Size & shape: Larger, intact blocks usually command higher prices than chips.
- Consistency: Grade batches consistently for commercial sales.