Overview
ISO 10624:1998 is the International Standard specifying quality and assessment criteria for oil of elemi derived from Canarium luzonicum Miq., a species in the Burseraceae family. This standard was developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 54, specializing in essential oils. It aims to facilitate consistent quality evaluation by defining key physical and chemical characteristics of this essential oil, excluding rectified oils.
The document outlines requirements for appearance, color, odor, density, refractive index, optical rotation, chromatographic profile, and flashpoint. It also references harmonized test methods and guidelines to ensure transparency and reproducibility when assessing the oil’s quality.
Key Topics
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Definition: Oil of elemi is defined as the essential oil obtained by distillation-either steam or under reduced pressure-of the gum oleoresin from Canarium luzonicum.
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Physical and Sensory Characteristics:
- Appearance: liquid form
- Colour: ranges from colorless to pale yellow
- Odour: a characteristic spicy, balsamic scent with citrus peel top notes
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Measured Properties and Limits:
- Relative density at 20 °C: 0.850 to 0.910
- Refractive index at 20 °C: 1.4720 to 1.4900
- Optical rotation at 20 °C: +44° to +85°
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Chromatographic Profile: Gas chromatography is required to determine the proportions of key constituents such as sabinene, α-phellandrene, limonene, α-terpineol, elemol, and elemicin. This profile helps confirm authenticity and consistent chemical composition.
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Flashpoint: For safety considerations, the flashpoint is reported at approximately +53 °C, determined using Setaflash equipment, providing critical information for transport and storage safety.
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Testing and Sampling: References are made to ISO standards for sampling (ISO 212) and specific test methods including ISO 279 for density, ISO 280 for refractive index, ISO 592 for optical rotation, and ISO 11024 series for chromatographic profiling.
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Packaging and Labelling: Guidelines follow general ISO recommendations to ensure proper handling, marking, and storage according to ISO/TR 210 and ISO/TR 211.
Applications
Oil of elemi is valued in aromatherapy, perfumery, and flavor industries for its distinctive spicy and citrus aroma. The standardized parameters defined in ISO 10624 enable manufacturers and traders to:
- Verify product quality and purity consistently
- Ensure buyer confidence through reproducible testing
- Optimize formulation accuracy in cosmetic and fragrance applications
- Facilitate safe handling by understanding physical properties and flashpoint details
- Comply with international quality regulations to promote trade
This standard is essential for producers, quality control laboratories, importers, and users requiring validated information to maintain high product integrity and safety.
Related Standards
ISO 10624 references several complementary ISO standards that provide general rules and methodologies for essential oils:
- ISO/TR 210 and ISO/TR 211: General rules for packaging, conditioning, storage, labelling, and marking of essential oils
- ISO 212: Sampling procedures for essential oils
- ISO 279: Determination of relative density at 20 °C
- ISO 280: Determination of refractive index
- ISO 592: Determination of optical rotation
- ISO 11024-1 and ISO 11024-2: Guidelines for preparation and use of chromatographic profiles in confirming essential oil authenticity and quality
- ISO/TR 11018: Guidance on flashpoint determination for essential oils
By adhering to ISO 10624:1998 in conjunction with these related standards, stakeholders ensure comprehensive quality control and transparency in the handling and commercialization of oil of elemi.
Keywords: ISO 10624, oil of elemi, Canarium luzonicum, essential oils standard, essential oil quality, chromatographic profile, flashpoint, refractive index, optical rotation, essential oil testing, elemi specifications, ISO essential oils, aromatic oils safety