Rosin (Irregular, translucent lumps, yellow, with a layer of yellowish-white powder on the surface, shiny fracture, glass-like)
Aged Rosin (Easily ignited with a crackling sound, emits thick smoke, strong rosin odor)
【Naming】
【Source】
Song Kaibao
【Common Usage Level】
D
【Botanical Origin】
The residue left after distilling the volatile oil from the oleoresin obtained from the trunks of Pinus massoniana Lamb. and other plants of the same genus in the Pinaceae family.
【Characteristics】
It is an irregular, translucent lump of varying sizes. The surface is yellow, often with a layer of yellowish-white powder. It is hard and brittle at room temperature, easily broken, with a shiny, glass-like fracture. It has the odor of turpentine oil and a bitter taste. It softens when heated, then melts, and produces brown smoke when burned.
【Identification】
“The refined is best,” according to *Bencao Pinhui Jingyao*, “the granular one is good.” *Bencao Gangmu* states, “Pine resin is best when it is clear and bright like frankincense granules.” *Bencao Cheng Ya Ban Jie* says, “Nowadays, the ones from the border regions and Hengshan are considered good.” *Liang Lie Jian Bie* says, “The yellow or light yellowish-brown, large lumps are superior, while those that are powdered and dark in color are useless.”
The best are those with large lumps, light yellow color, transparency, high oil content, and strong odor.
【Category】
Resins