Sandalwood is a scarce, valuable wood obtained from several related kinds of trees. These trees grow in southern India, Indonesia, and Australia. Sandalwood has a fairly straight grain. The wood also has a fine structure and is so heavy that it will barely float in water. The heartwood (center) has a yellowish-brown or dark reddish-brown color.
Sandalwood has a fragrant odor from an oil it contains. Most sandalwood is shipped to China, where it is used in funeral ceremonies, for carving, and for incense in temples. It is well suited to making carved boxes, jewel cases, fans, combs, picture frames, and walking sticks. The oil is obtained by distilling the wood. The oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics, and medicines.
