Indian Sandalwood vs Australian Sandalwood

Indian Sandalwood vs Australian Sandalwood have light difference. Indian wood is yellow to brown in color. Australian is more lighter.

Key Notes

🌿 Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album)
✔ Origin: Southern India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu)
✔ Aroma: Rich, creamy, long-lasting woody sweetness
✔ Oil Content: High (6-7% in heartwood)
✔ Spiritual Use: Sacred in Hindu rituals & Ayurveda
✔ Sustainability: Endangered (Highly regulated)
✔ Price: Expensive ($1,500+/kg for oil)
✔ Medicinal Value: Anti-inflammatory, cooling properties
🦘 Australian Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)
✔ Origin: Western Australia
✔ Aroma: Earthy, sharper, less sweet than Indian
✔ Oil Content: Lower (1.5-3% in heartwood)
✔ Spiritual Use: Growing popularity in aromatherapy
✔ Sustainability: More abundant (Farmed commercially)
✔ Price: Affordable (~$300/kg for oil)
✔ Medicinal Value: Good for skincare, less potent

Indian Sandalwood vs Australian Sandalwood

Sandalwood has been known for four thousand years by its Sanskrit name, chandana. The first extraction of its essential oil occurred in Mysore, India, in 1917. The main cultivation areas are India and Australia.

Australian sandalwood's scientific name is Santalum spicatum. This species is native to Australia. It is highly valued for its aromatic properties. The Australian sandalwood tree is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree. The produce of this wood is essential oils, perfumes, and various skincare products. This species is primarily found in the arid regions of Australia.

Indian Sandalwood

Indian Sandalwood scientific name is Santalum album. This tree is native to the Indian subcontinent. Basically found in Mysore, Karnataka. It is considered sacred in some religions like Hinduism. The lifetime is 40 to 80 years of a tree. It is popular for its aromatic properties.

Indian Sandalwood	Australian Sandalwood
Found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.	Native to arid regions of Western Australia, Northern Territory, and South Australia.
Known for its sweet, rich, and woody fragrance	Valued for its unique and pleasant fragrance
Indian sandalwood contains around 70-90% of these major compounds.	while Australian sandalwood is typically around 20-40%.
The heartwood of Indian sandalwood developed over several decades.	Similarly, the heartwood of Australian sandalwood takes time to develop.
Holds cultural and religious importance in various traditions.	While it may not have the same level of cultural significance as Indian sandalwood.
In its natural habitat, Indian sandalwood is facing challenges such as overharvesting and habitat loss, leading to its classification as a vulnerable species.	Conservation efforts are also important for Australian sandalwood to ensure sustainable harvesting and protection of natural populations.
The heartwood is a high-value commodity in the international market, used in perfumes, cosmetics, and traditional medicines.	The essential oil extracted from the heartwood is economically significant
The heartwood of Indian Sandalwood is typically yellow to brown in color.	varies in color, but it is generally lighter than that of Indian sandalwood.
Indian sandalwood is the most expensive wood in the world.	Australian Sandalwood is the most expensive wood in the world.
If Indian sandalwood is the king of all woods,	then Australian Sandalwood is the undisputed prince.

Benefits

The heartwood is aromatic and commercially valuable. So it contributes to industries such as perfumery, skincare, and aromatherapy.

Uses

It is used for body care, skin care, natural perfumes, and incense for its sensual qualities and fragrance. The essential oil extracted from the heartwood is used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and skincare. Sandalwood paste is often used in religious ceremonies and rituals.