Real sandal wood is much more expensive, so I think it's a cheap and slightly green wood. It is covered by some fragrance oil (nothing close to sandalwood; and i don't like the smell). And because it was very oily and stinky and unpleasant to touch, i washed it few times with liquid soap, dried it and covered by sandalwood oil and some other scents. After that, the mala became very nice and i like it. Especially for the price. First, I didn't like the stretch cord for mala, it is difficult to use it, but then i found that it is very comfortable to wear it on my wrist. So, there are some up- and downsides for everything.