What are the key quality factors determining sandalwood bead and incense prices in the Chinese retail market?

What are the key quality factors determining sandalwood bead and incense prices in the Chinese retail market?
Retail sandalwood pricing hinges on five core factors: size, density, oil content, grain pattern, and cutting direction. Larger beads command premiums because raw material often has cracks, making defect-free large pieces scarce. Density is tested via water flotation—only about 10% of beads sink, and those carry significant price uplift. Oil content directly correlates with fragrance intensity and longevity. Grain aesthetics matter for collectors: straight-grain pieces with minimal visible grain are prized, while cross-grain pieces require smoother patterns for best appearance. Cross-grain cutting has higher rejection rates and labor costs, adding 20-30% over straight-grain equivalents. For incense, purity of ingredients is paramount—premium products use only Indian Mysore sandalwood powder, wild honey, and high-grade Indonesian nanmu binder, with no chemical additives. Such natural incense typically retails above 100 RMB per box, distinguishing it from mass-market products laden with synthetic fragrances.