Understanding Sinking and Floating Agarwood
Many people believe that real agarwood must sink in water. However, this is one of the most common misunderstandings about natural agarwood.
The truth is: real agarwood does not always have to sink.
Natural agarwood can be:
- fully sinking,
- semi-sinking,
- floating,
- or suspended in water,
depending on the amount of natural resin formed inside the wood.
At Duy Hai Agarwood, we believe understanding the natural characteristics of agarwood helps customers appreciate authentic Vietnamese oud more accurately.
Different Types of Agarwood Based on Resin Content
Sinking Agarwood
Sinking agarwood is considered one of the highest grades of natural agarwood.
Because the wood contains an extremely high concentration of resin and essential oils, the resin gradually fills the internal wood fibers, making the material denser and heavier than water.
As a result, the wood sinks completely when placed in water.
Characteristics of Sinking Agarwood
- Extremely rich resin content
- Dense and heavy structure
- Deep and long-lasting aroma
- Very rare and valuable
- Premium market price
High-quality sinking agarwood is highly prized by collectors, oud enthusiasts, and luxury fragrance markets around the world.
Floating or Semi-Sinking Agarwood
Floating or semi-sinking agarwood is much more common in the market.
This type still contains natural resin, but the oil concentration is lower compared to full sinking agarwood. Because of this, the wood may:
- float on water,
- partially sink,
- or remain suspended.
Even though it does not fully sink, it can still be genuine natural agarwood with excellent fragrance and quality.
Characteristics of Floating Agarwood
- Moderate resin content
- Lighter weight
- Softer aroma
- More suitable for daily wear
- More affordable than sinking agarwood
Many natural agarwood bracelets on the market are made from semi-sinking or floating agarwood because they are comfortable to wear and still provide a beautiful natural scent.
Important Warning About Water and Agarwood
One very important thing many beginners do not realize is:
Agarwood should not be soaked in water.
Natural agarwood is a porous wood material that absorbs moisture easily.
Frequent exposure to water can cause:
- wood expansion,
- cracking,
- fading color,
- weakened fragrance,
- and structural damage over time.
For this reason, it is strongly recommended to remove agarwood jewelry when:
- showering,
- swimming,
- washing hands frequently,
- exercising heavily,
- or working with chemicals.
Protecting your agarwood properly helps preserve its natural aroma and appearance for many years.
The Sink Test Is Not the Only Way to Identify Real Agarwood
Many people use the “sink test” to judge whether agarwood is real or fake. However, this method alone is not reliable.
Some artificial products may be:
- chemically treated,
- soaked in synthetic oil,
- or weighted artificially
to make them sink in water.
Meanwhile, many authentic natural agarwood products may still float because of lower resin density.
Experienced agarwood collectors usually evaluate:
- aroma quality,
- resin patterns,
- natural wood grain,
- craftsmanship,
- and authenticity of origin
rather than relying only on whether the wood sinks.
Final Thoughts
Real agarwood does not need to sink in water to be authentic.
Both sinking and floating agarwood can be genuine natural agarwood depending on the amount of resin formed inside the wood.
The true value of agarwood comes from:
- natural resin formation,
- aroma quality,
- rarity,
- and authenticity.
At Duy Hai Agarwood Official Store, we specialize in authentic Vietnamese agarwood bracelets and natural