Old Mountain Sandalwood Beginner Guide: Meaning, How to Choose, and Care Tips
Introduction
Old Mountain Sandalwood, also known as Lao Shan Tan, is treasured for its rich aroma, cultural heritage, and rarity. From spiritual traditions to modern bracelet collecting, it has long been admired for its calming scent, elegant appearance, and symbolic meaning. This beginner guide explores how to understand, choose, and care for it properly.
What Is Old Mountain Sandalwood (Lao Shan Tan)?
Old Mountain Sandalwood is a precious wood valued for both its deep cultural significance and its unique natural qualities.
In religious traditions, it is often regarded as a “sacred tree” and has long been used as an essential offering in rituals and spiritual practices. In feng shui, it is known as a “tree of prosperity,” believed to help harmonize energy and improve the atmosphere of a space. Historically, it was also called a “royal tree,” symbolizing power, status, and nobility, and was highly prized by emperors and aristocrats. In modern times, both in global markets and locally in Australia, it has earned nicknames such as the “golden tree” or even the “money tree,” reflecting its rarity and high value.
These titles stem from its exceptionally long growth cycle and outstanding natural characteristics. Old Mountain Sandalwood is a type of sandalwood and belongs to a group of semi-parasitic plants. It grows extremely slowly, often requiring several decades before the wood becomes usable. Its most renowned origin is eastern India, especially the Mysore region, which is widely recognized for producing the finest quality sandalwood. It is also found in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia.
Mature sandalwood trees are typically thick and straight, with smooth surfaces and dense, fine-grained wood. The heartwood is usually cylindrical or slightly flattened, with clearly visible growth rings and distinctive wavy patterns. When freshly cut, the wood appears light yellowish-brown, but over time it gradually deepens into yellow-brown, dark brown, or even reddish-brown.
Because of its slow growth, the oil content and fragrance of Old Mountain Sandalwood are closely tied to the tree’s age. The older the tree, the higher the oil density and the richer, more balanced the aroma. Its scent is long-lasting, soft, and warm. Compared to stronger, sharper woods such as camphor or nanmu, sandalwood’s fragrance is much gentler, carrying a subtle sweetness. This refined and enduring aroma is one of the main reasons it is so highly sought after in the incense, jewelry, and collectible wood markets.
Symbolic Meanings of Old Mountain Sandalwood
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Nobility and Honor
Due to its rarity and distinctive fragrance, Old Mountain Sandalwood has historically been favored by royalty and nobility. It came to symbolize power, status, and prestige, and therefore carries connotations of elegance, dignity, and high honor.
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Protection from Negative Influences
In traditional folk beliefs passed down through generations, Old Mountain Sandalwood is regarded as a material that can ward off negative energies and misfortune. Wearing a sandalwood bracelet is believed to create an invisible layer of protection, helping the wearer stay safe and at peace.
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Health and Vitality
The gentle, natural aroma of Old Mountain Sandalwood is thought to help relax the body and mind and support overall well-being. As a result, wearing sandalwood jewelry is often associated with wishes for good health and physical balance.
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Calmness and Inner Clarity
The soothing scent of Old Mountain Sandalwood is believed to quiet the mind, ease restlessness, and relieve stress and anxiety. Wearing a sandalwood bracelet thus represents a desire for mental clarity, emotional stability, and inner tranquility.
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Prosperity and Good Fortune
In traditional feng shui, Old Mountain Sandalwood is known as a “wood that attracts blessings.” It is believed to gather positive energy and invite prosperity, symbolizing the attraction of wealth, abundance, and good fortune into one’s life.
How to Choose Old Mountain Sandalwood
1.color
Old Mountain Sandalwood typically has a deep, even tone. In general, darker color indicates an older tree and higher oil content. Common categories include black heartwood, red heartwood, and yellow heartwood, with value decreasing in that order.
Black heartwood sandalwood bracelets are the rarest and most valuable. Red heartwood offers high quality at a more moderate price, while yellow heartwood has a lighter tone closer to natural skin color and is usually more affordable.
2. Grain and Texture
Genuine Old Mountain Sandalwood features natural, well-defined grain patterns that appear smooth and organic. Imitation materials often show chaotic or unnatural textures. It’s worth noting that very old sandalwood may display less visible grain, yet the wood itself is often finer in texture and superior in both fragrance and hand feel.
3. Aroma
A rich, warm aroma is one of the most recognizable characteristics of Old Mountain Sandalwood. High-quality pieces release a gentle, long-lasting scent. Depending on the material, the fragrance may carry subtle herbal notes or a soft, caramel-like sweetness. When selecting a bracelet, bring it close and lightly smell it to judge the depth and persistence of the aroma.
4. Density and Sinking Ability
Higher oil content results in greater wood density, which makes sandalwood more likely to sink in water. Bracelets that sink are often considered to have richer oil content and better overall quality. However, sinking alone does not determine value, as grain, color, and aroma also play important roles. Buyers should also be cautious of artificial weighting methods used to increase perceived density.
How to Care for and Play with Old Mountain Sandalwood
1. Preparation and Cleaning
A newly purchased Old Mountain Sandalwood bracelet may have dust, residue, or a light wax coating on the surface. Gently wipe it with a soft cotton cloth or slightly coarse gauze to remove impurities.
Before handling the bracelet, make sure your hands are clean and free from oils, lotions, or cosmetics. Wash your hands with warm water and mild soap, then dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.
2. Initial Polishing and Adaptation
Wear cotton gloves and gently rub the bracelet bead by bead. This step helps further clean the surface while providing light, natural polishing. Play with the bracelet for about 30 minutes a day, allowing it to slowly adapt to its surroundings.
3. Natural Oxidation and Patina Formation
Place the bracelet in a dry, well-ventilated area for about one week to allow natural oxidation. During this period, a thin protective layer will gradually form on the surface.
Afterward, continue wiping it with a cotton cloth or playing with it using gloves for around 30 minutes daily, then let it rest for another week. Repeat this cycle. After several months, a smooth and refined patina will develop, enhancing both the texture and the depth of its fragrance.
4. Long-Term Care Tips
- Avoid Water and Chemicals: Keep the bracelet away from water and chemical products such as perfume, shampoo, or cleaning agents, as these may damage the wood.
- Proper Storage: When not wearing it, store the bracelet in a sealed bag or with bead-care powder to prevent exposure to unwanted odors and to preserve its natural scent and finish.
Final Thoughts
Old Mountain Sandalwood is more than a material—it reflects patience, balance, and mindful appreciation. By understanding its meaning, learning how to select quality pieces, and caring for it correctly, beginners can enjoy both its lasting fragrance and the quiet sense of calm it brings over time.
FAQs
1. Is Old Mountain Sandalwood sustainable?
Most commercially available Old Mountain Sandalwood is sustainably sourced from regulated plantations, as wild harvesting is restricted by international conservation laws to protect endangered natural populations.
2. Can I wear my Old Mountain Sandalwood bracelet every day?
Yes, daily wearing is safe and can enhance its patina over time, but avoid prolonged exposure to sweat, water, or direct sunlight to preserve its fragrance and color.
3. How long does the fragrance of Old Mountain Sandalwood last?
Under proper care, the natural aroma can persist for years. It may fade slightly over time, but gentle polishing or storing with bead-care powder helps revive and maintain the scent.
4. Are there any differences between Indian and Australian Old Mountain Sandalwood?
Indian sandalwood (from Mysore) is prized for its richer, sweeter aroma and higher oil content, while Australian sandalwood has a lighter, more herbal scent and is often more affordable.
5. Can Old Mountain Sandalwood be used for meditation or aromatherapy?
Absolutely. Its mild, calming scent is widely used to create a serene atmosphere, making it ideal for meditation, yoga, or aromatherapy to reduce stress and enhance focus.
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