This sample specification of an essential oil will give an
idea of the glossary used in the industry.
Note: the term "Essential Oil" refers to the highly
concentrated, volatile, aromatic essences of plants obtained by
water/steam distillation (or expression in the case of citrus
oils). Frequently used (incorrectly) to apply to "concretes"
and "absolutes" that are obtained by solvent extraction.
Lavender Oil
| Family: | Lamiaceae (Labiatae) The latin botanical family name of the plant source. |
| Synonyms: | TRUE LAVENDER; LAVENDER OIL 40/42%;
LAVANDULA AUGUSTIFOLIA OIL; LAVENDER OIL ; Other names, botanical, chemical nomenclature or trade names that the material may be known as. |
| Sources: | France, UK, Bulgaria,
China Main countries of origin |
| Method of production: | Lavender Oil is steam distilled from the
freshly cut flowering tops and stalks of Lavandula
Officinalis, a wild growing or cultivated herb. The method of production |
| Appearence: | Colorless to light
straw liquid The appearence of the material ("straw" is a light brown colour). Colour may change for a number of reasons. Some materials get darker, and others lighter with age. |
| Odor Description: | Almost fruity sweet
topnote, Fresh herbaceous, Lavender, Herbal, Floral,
Sweet, overall cool but can have slightly notes, a
pleasant, balsamic woody backnote The odour of the material |
| Perfumery Uses: | Fougeres, Mens Types, Modifier in Eau de
Cologne, New Mown Hay; Herbal; Tobacco notes; Amber; Commonly used in these these perfume type but not limited to these. |
| Flavour Uses: | Peach, toothpaste,
cachous Used in these Flavours. But be very careful there are many qualities of materials and you must check with the manufacturer if this is really a "Flavour grade" |
| Aromatherapy uses: | As aid to restful sleep, (particularly
fresh flowers packed into pillow) used dilute in water as
skin tonic in water, stomach soother. Ideas on the use in aromatherapy. Note do not use internally without proper consultation with a qualified medical practitioner and ensuring that the oil is pharamaceutical or flavour grade |
| Blends Well With: | Pine Oils; Cognac;
Clary Sage; Hedione; Thyme Oil; Chamomile Oil; Citrus
oils particularly Bergamot; These are notes this material seems to blend well with and worth trying out. But don't limit your imagination to only these. |
| Analytical: | 38/40% The %
quoted in Lavender Oil refers to the ester content
calculated as Linalyl Acetate. |
| Specific Gravity: | 0.87500 - 0.88800 @ 25.00 C Water
is 1.00 so less than 1.00 will float on water and more
than 1 will sink. |
| Refractive Index: | 1.45900 - 1.46900 @ 20.00
C This is the measurement of the way that light is bent by liquids. Stand a pencil in a glass of water and note how the pencil appears to be bent as it goes into the water. This helps to check if the oil is pure but is not not foolproof. |
| CAS.#: | 8000-28-0 Chemical Abstract Series Number helps to identify the exact material referred to. You can find the books of abstracts in a scientific library. There are hundreds of volumes. |
| FEMA.#: | 2622 Flavor and
Extract Manufacturers Association gives a reference
number to materials that are Generally Recognised As Safe
(GRAS). |
| MP: | Melting Point: N/A The temperature the material melts at. |
| BP: | Boiling Point:
N/A The temperature the material boils at. |
| FP | Flash Point: 70 C This indicates the temperature that the material will "flash" when a flame is present. Below about 57 usually requires shipments to be marked "Dangerous Goods". Ethanol (FP -18 C), Orange Oil and Rosemary Oil fall into this category. |
| Soluble in: | 95% Ethanol, DPG, DEP,
White Oil(Cloudy); The oils will mix with these common solvents. The percentage of Ethanol indicates how much water is present (in this case 5%). But check yourself everytime as other materials in the mixture will affect the solubility. Solubility in White Oil will indicate its suitability for candle making in this case it will be OK for normal scented candles but no good for transparent gel candles as it forms a cloudy mixture (this can be helped though with other materials in the perfume) |
| Insoluble in: | Water; Does not mix with water |
| NAFTA H.#: | 3301.23.0000 This is the harmonised code (almost standard world-wide) for the Customs and Excise department. It enables them to quickly establish the import duty and any restrictions on importing the material. |
| Fleuressenceä1988-The Perfumers WorkbookÓ1998-The ABC's of PerfumeryÓ1998 |
| Are Copyrighted Works and Trademarks of PerfumersWorld, PerfumersWorld Ltd. & Stephen V. Dowthwaite |