Sandalwood
Sandalwood is best known for its amazing aromatic properties. Its most common use is for incense sticks. The timber has a very high oil content. The oil is sometimes used in the cosmetic industry in perfume, soap and also air fresheners. The oil is extracted using steam distillation.
The tree grows in quite an unusual way, it is actually a parasitic tree and feeds off other trees around it. In Australia, it can be found in the arid areas of Western Australia and Queensland. While it grows naturally in these areas it is also grown in large plantations.
It’s a very beautiful timber to work with as the aroma fills the studio as I shape, turn or sand the piece of jewellery. It is a hard timber but its grain structure allows for relatively easy carving.
To see pieces of jewellery made from sandalwood click here.