Sandarac is a natural, hard, brittle resin derived from the Tetraclinis articulata tree [also known as the Avar tree or sandarac tree], primarily sourced from Morocco. It is characterized as a high-adherence, lustrous, and transparent resin, often found as resinous tears. Key Uses and Applications * Varnish for Violins and Furniture: Due to its hardness, it is widely used in varnishes for string instruments and furniture. * Conservation and Art: Used in varnishes for paintings, particularly as a protective layer over watercolors. * Calligraphy and Painting: Ground sandarac is used as pounce on parchment or paper to prepare the surface, prevent ink bleeding, and ensure crisper lines. * Photographic Restoration: A standard component in varnish for wet plate collodion photography. * Incense: Sandarac is used in incense blends for its warm, balsamic, frankincense-like fragrance. * Medical and Historical Uses: It has historical uses as a fixative, in dental preparations, and in traditional, non-toxic preservatives for cadavers and histology samples. Characteristics * Solubility: Soluble in ethyl alcohol [ethanol]. * Properties: Transparent, high-gloss, and durable finish. * Composition: Contains sandaracopimaric acid, with some debate over the presence of agathalic acid as a major component. Standard Forms Sandarac is typically sold as solid, unrefined resinous tears, powder, or pre-mixed varnish.
