Agarwood (Eaglewood / Gaharu)
Aquilaria malaccensis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be interlocked; the wood is often lightweight and porous until resinous 'agar' formation occurs which creates dense, irregular dark streaks within the grain.
Color Description
The healthy wood is pale, creamy white to light yellow. However, when infected by mold, it produces a dark, aromatic resin called 'agar' that turns sections of the wood dark brown or black with high luster and oily texture.
Hardness Rating
Approx. 400 lbf (Very Soft) for the non-resinous wood; however, resin-saturated sections (agarwood) become much harder and denser.
Durability Rating
Non-durable in its healthy state; resinous agarwood is highly durable and resistant to decay/insects due to the high concentration of protective essential oils.
Common Uses
Incense, perfumes, essential oils, traditional medicine, high-value ornamental carvings, and religious beads (malas).
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, specifically Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Highly variable; non-infected wood is cheap ($1-2/bf), but high-grade resinous agarwood can exceed $10,000 per kilogram ($5,000+ per lb).
Wood Age Estimate
The standing tree appears to be approximately 15-25 years old based on the diameter and bark texture shown in the image.
Sustainability Status
Highly endangered; listed on CITES Appendix II and the IUCN Red List; many species are critically endangered due to over-harvesting from wild sources.
Workability
The healthy wood is very soft and easy to cut but prone to fuzzing; the resinous heartwood is difficult to work because the heat from tools melts the resin, which clogs sandpaper and blades.
Notable Features
Potent and complex scent when burned or warmed; the 'wood of the gods'; produces resin as an immune response to fungal infection; extremely high oil content in premium grades.
Finish Recommendations
Usually left unfinished or simply polished to allow the natural fragrance to release. If used for jewelry, a light natural wax can be used, but oils/lacquers will mask the scent.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The tropical context, the visual of a harvester selectively cutting a specific tree in a dense jungle environment, and the pale bark texture are highly characteristic of Aquilaria plantations or wild harvesting in Southeast Asia.