沉香被尊稱為「香中的鑽石」、「香中之王」,因沉香得來不易,沉香樹結香的形成原因很多,但都來自於外界的傷害,沉香樹為了自我防護,會分泌樹脂使傷口癒合,再經過真菌感染後,慢慢结成膏脂狀的結塊物,其中混合了樹脂、揮發油、木材等多種成分。
Agilawood
is considered to be the diamond or king of all the incense components, since it
is not always available. As agilawood gets damaged, it creates resin to cover
its wounds and protect itself. Meanwhile, the wounds can get infected by the
fungi and then turn into paste-like lumps that contain resin, aetherolea, wood,
and other ingredients.