Absolutes

Absolutes are derived from concretes.

Once a concrete is prepared, it is kept in a cool place where, with its high concentration of waxes, it will keep naturally preserved up to a number of years. The professional extractor will then proceed. to make the conversion from the concrete to an absolute. This process involves stirring the warmed (about 115-125 degrees F) waxy concrete with alcohol into which the aromatic molecules will transfer. During this process, the concrete will break up into very tiny globules, increasing the surface area of the original mass. The aromatic molecules are more soluble in alcohol than the wax. Some wax may dissolve, which is removed by freezing the solution at very low temperatures (30 degrees F) and agitating to precipitate out most of the wax. The absolute can be used as is, leaving a minute amount of wax that can act as a natural fixative. The attars from India are made at this point in the process by adding sandalwood as a fixative, which imparts a very different scent.