Quick checklist
The smell, even when cold, should be clean and natural, with no pungent, chemical overtones like “alcoholic perfume”.
The smoke is calm and layered; throat-burning, detergent-like pungencies are suspect.
Appearance is natural and heterogeneous: “overly uniform” pieces painted the same color are risky.
Heat test: If the note opens even at very low heat, the material is close to natural. If it demands high heat and flashes, it is probably too perfumed.
Paper trace: When you press the piece against a white sheet of paper, it should not release color like paint; a slight resin glow is normal.
“Reality” tips by type
Agarwood / Oud
Veins & resin streaks: The piece shows dark veins and resin channels; the completely charcoal black, glassy uniform surface is usually a sign of dye/soaking.
Odor (cold & warm): When cold it gives a sweet-balsamic/woody nuance. At low temperature (in an electric censer) the fragrance opens softly; suspicious if it suddenly bursts out like perfume.
Breakage: Fibrous/capillary breakage; powdery crumbling or sticky excessive oil seepage may be over-impregnation.
The myth of the “sink test”: Sinking of the piece in water is not by itself proof of quality; density depends on resin ratio, dryness and cut. Don't use it as the only criterion.
Sandalwood
Rubbing test: Lightly scratch a dry surface with your fingernail / rub two pieces together. A creamy, milky-woody odor should emerge. If it fades in 20-30 seconds, it may be perfumed.
Color & texture: Natural sandal is light beige to honey; “brick red” tones are often a sign of dye.
Smoke: Soft and not coarse smoke; should not burn the throat.
Frankincense
Appearance: Droplet/teardrop-shaped matt to translucent grains; surface may be slightly powdery.
Temperature response: Citrus-pine freshness at low temperature; suspicion of additives if heavy chemical odor.
Water test (small piece): Slight clouding in warm water and partial floating of the resin is normal. It is not fake just because it does not dissolve completely; chalky sediment and zero odor may indicate filler (lime).
Odorized Mixtures (Moattar)
Balance: Natural base (wood/resin), gentle fragrance on top. Too high perfume cloud when cold, over-impregnation if there is chemical pungency in the burn.
Paper transfer: Leave the piece on white paper for 10-15 seconds; if it leaves a colored ring, it may be dye. A slight oil ring is normal.
Misleading signs
Price anomaly like “100% pure oud, very cheap”
Excessively uniform black or excessively glossy surface
Alcoholic perfume when cold, detergent/solvent evocation when lit
Single-criteria claims such as “sinks in water = best quality”
Storage recommendations
Storage: Cool-dry, out of the light; slight stickiness in resins is normal. Glass jar + cotton/thin greaseproof paper works well.