What is the difference between Cao Huali and Huang Huali? A quick guide to tell them apart

Wood is also a resource; not only in China, but globally, good wood is a treasure. In ancient China, the culture surrounding wood had an even longer history, such as the agarwood, sandalwood, and Huang Huali wood that everyone often hears about. So where is the difference between Cao Huali and Huang Huali?

1. The difference between Cao Huali and Huang Huali

Cao Huali refers to the wood of the large-fruited rosewood (Pterocarpus macrocarpus) and Indian rosewood (Pterocarpus indicus) produced in Southeast Asia. It has been introduced to Hainan Island, China. What the industry generally calls Cao Huali refers to the Huali wood produced in Vietnam. Huang Huali is also called Hainan yellow sandalwood or Hainan Huang Huali wood. Its place of origin is the low-altitude plains and hilly areas of Jianfengling in Diaoluo Mountain on Hainan Island, China. It ranks among the four famous woods and is now a national second-class protected plant. Overall, the value of Cao Huali is far less rare than that of authentic Huang Huali.

Based on the situation of Cao Huali used in domestic history, there are mainly two types, namely the large-fruited rosewood produced in Southeast Asia (commonly known as Burmese rosewood) and Indian rosewood (commonly known as rosewood or Huali wood). Compared with “Huang Huali”, Cao Huali wood is coarser and looser, with large pores, and its color is earthy yellow and lusterless. Huang Huali wood is golden yellow and warm and moist, and the heartwood is darker, appearing reddish brown or dark brown, with a textured feel of repeated angles. Because the wood properties of Huang Huali are extremely stable, it will not deform, crack, or bend regardless of cold or heat, and it has a certain toughness, so it can be used to make various irregular-shaped furniture.

2. How to distinguish Cao Huali from Huang Huali

1. Compared with Huang Huali, Cao Huali is lighter in color and relatively rougher, and the price of Huang Huali is also more expensive than Cao Huali.

2. The color of Cao Huali wood is relatively light and cannot compare with the orange-red and darker color of Huang Huali wood. Cao Huali has large pores, and its color is earthy yellow and lusterless. Huang Huali wood is golden yellow and warm and moist, and the heartwood is darker, appearing reddish brown or dark brown.

3. The scent of Huang Huali is relatively fresh and the fragrance is mild, while Cao Huali has a very obviously pungent smell.

That is all for the difference between Cao Huali and Huang Huali. When buying wood, be sure to distinguish them carefully to avoid being cheated.