Whether agarwood can be fragrant, and how strong the fragrance is, depends on the resin. Understanding oil lines and sinking grade is the entry point to authentication.
As mentioned earlier, agarwood forms when the tree secretes resin after injury and the resin ages and matures; this secretion is the "resin." The richer the oil content and the more evenly distributed it is, the fuller and more enduring the scent usually is. So when examining agarwood, first learn to read the oil.
Oil lines are the patterns resin leaves in the wood; some look like streams, others like cloud patterns. The direction of naturally formed oil lines is usually irregular, with gradations of depth; on artificially drawn materials, the lines tend to be overly uniform with hard edges. Viewing the material from the side under light reveals a great deal.
Agarwood with a high oil ratio and density greater than water sinks in water, which the trade calls "sinking grade." Sinking grade does not necessarily mean it smells good, but it is an intuitive signal of oil content. There are also distinctions of "semi-sinking" and "floating," corresponding to different oil-content ranges, and prices naturally fall into tiers.
Resin is the storehouse of fragrance; how full the storehouse is determines how long this batch of incense burns and how rich the fragrance is.
Beginners tend to chase sinking grade right away, but in fact many non-sinking materials have a clear, elegant fragrance and better value. It is advisable to first become familiar with "whether the oil lines are natural and whether the scent is clean," then discuss sinking grade. In store, you can compare several sample materials with different oil content.
Explain your specific situation clearly, and we will give corresponding judgments and advice—sourcing, personal use, and authentication are all covered.
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