Sinking vs. Non-sinking Oud: The Density of the Resin

Among the most famous ways oud is measured is the "sink test": sinking oud is so rich in resin that it sinks in water, and non-sinking oud is lighter in resin so it floats. In this comparison we show that sinking is a real, testable indicator of the density of the resin, but it is not a decisive proof of quality, and that non-sinking is not without value.

At a glance

Sinking is a real indicator of resin, but it is not a sole verdict on quality or scent.

What is the sink test?

When the Aquilaria wood fills with the aromatic resin, its density increases until it exceeds the density of water, so it sinks. And for this oud was named in Chinese "chenxiang," meaning "sinking incense," as we mentioned in Chinese oud. For sinking is a physical proof of the piece's richness in resin, and so it has historically been associated with the high grades.

And some oud classifications use degrees of sinking: fully sinking, semi-sinking (it partially sinks), and floating. And the more the sinking, the more it indicates a denser resin. And this axis — unlike "heavy vs. light" — concerns the physical density, not the character of the scent.

A real indicator but it can be faked

The sink test is distinguished by being a testable indicator, unlike the claim of "age" which is hard to verify. It is a tangible proof of the density of the resin. But this does not make it a complete guarantee: for sinking may be faked by weighting the oud with substances or soaking it in oil so it sinks, as we showed in natural vs. enhanced. For an unnatural sinking of an enhanced oud does not indicate a real quality.

And so do not rely on sinking alone: combine it with the scent, the appearance, and the documented source. For the naturally sinking one, its scent testifies for it, and the weighted sinking one may be exposed by an oily scent or an unusual trace.

Non-sinking is not without value

It is a mistake to think that non-sinking is a "poor oud." For much good aromatic oud does not sink, because the beauty of the scent does not depend on the density of the resin alone, but on its type, its character, and its maturity. So you may find a floating one whose scent is finer than an ordinary sinking one. And sinking often raises the market value, but it does not monopolize the aromatic beauty.

And so if your concern is the scent and daily use, then non-sinking may be an excellent choice at an easier price. But if you are a collector looking for the highest density of resin, then the documented sinking one is your goal.

Which do you choose?

If you are looking for the highest density of resin and a collectible value, then the naturally documented sinking one is your choice — with your verification that its sinking is natural, not weighted. And if your concern is the beauty of the scent and use at a reasonable price, then do not neglect a good non-sinking one. And the most honest in both cases is to test the scent with a sample, for sinking is an indicator added to the nose, not a substitute for it.

And we at Oud Treasure state the density of the oud, its grade, and its nature honestly, without a weighting that gives a false impression of sinking. And with this the comparisons of attribute and state end, and we move to the comparisons of form and purpose, beginning with oud wood vs. oud oil.