Grade Differentiation of Agarwood Resin – From Tree to Chips, Blocks, and Oil-Grade Resin
Not all agarwood resin is equal. Grading is based on resin density, aroma, color, and intended use, guiding decisions for harvest, processing, and market value.
1. Primary Resin Grades
| Grade | Description | Key Indicators | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chips | Small resin pieces separated from wood | – Lighter color (amber → dark brown)- Moderate aroma- Variable density | Incense, perfumery blends, small-scale oil extraction |
| Blocks / Wood Segments | Larger, dense resin-impregnated wood | – Dark brown → near-black- Thick, dense resin layers- Strong aroma | High-quality incense, carvings, luxury perfumery |
| Oil-Grade Resin | Resin-rich wood selected for essential oil extraction | – Very dark, dense, and aromatic- High viscosity- Full polymerization | Steam or supercritical CO₂ extraction for high-value agarwood oil |
2. Differentiation Criteria
A. Visual & Physical Indicators
- Color: Amber → dark brown → black
- Density: Light, semi-dense, or fully dense resin zones
- Size & Distribution: Chips vs large blocks
- Resin penetration: Depth of resin in wood
B. Aroma Indicators
- Chips: Mild, sweet-woody aroma
- Blocks: Rich, multi-layered aroma
- Oil-grade: Intense, complex, balsamic-spicy, characteristic agarwood scent
C. Chemical Indicators (Optional Advanced Testing)
- Sesquiterpene and chromone content
- Degree of polymerization
- Essential oil yield potential
3. BarIno™ – Aligned Harvest & Processing Notes
- Chips: Collected from early or medium-density resin zones; minimal invasiveness preserves tree health
- Blocks: Harvested from high-density resin zones after late-stage induction (ResinRush™ / FusaBlaze™)
- Oil-grade: Selected from mature, fully polymerized resin; highest quality trees and late-stage induction zones preferred
Tip for Farmers:
Always prioritize tree health—leave residual resin zones for future induction cycles, balancing yield and longevity.
4. Farmer-Friendly Summary
- Chips: Moderate quality, used for incense and small perfumery applications
- Blocks: High-density resin, luxury applications
- Oil-grade: Highest resin concentration, full polymerization, premium oil yield
Analogy:
Like fruit: small fruits = snacks (chips), large ripe fruits = premium use (blocks), concentrated juice/extract = oil-grade.
5. BarIno™ Principle
Grade differentiation ensures optimal use of resin according to density, aroma, and polymerization.
Using phase-based induction and monitoring maximizes the production of chips, blocks, and oil-grade resin sustainably.