Red sandalwood, known scientifically as Pterocarpus santalinus, is a distinctive type of wood mainly found in southern India. It is not to be confused with white sandalwood (Santalum album), which is famous for its fragrant oil. Red sandalwood, unlike its aromatic cousin, does not have a prominent scent of itself and is primarily valued for its deep, rich red color and durability. It has been used traditionally in fine woodworking, carvings, and even in traditional medicine and dyeing processes.
While red sandalwood does not emit a strong natural fragrance like white sandalwood, it can sometimes carry a subtle, earthy, and almost warm aroma, though much less pronounced. This subdued scent lacks the sweet, creamy, and rich woody notes typical of white sandalwood oil, which is extensively used in perfumery. Instead, red sandalwood’s allure lies more in its visual appeal and its historical and cultural significance than in its olfactory properties.