Why's sacred sandalwood so expensive?

Jakarta Post; Business Insider | So Expensive; Amber Larson, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly

Ancient Vedic, Hindu, and Buddhist wisdom all agree on ahimsa, or "nonharming," advising that we should be like the sandalwood (Santalum album) tree that sprinkles its sweet fragrance even on the axe that cuts it down. From time immemorial something special was sensed about the scent of the sacred sandalwood tree.

Why sandalwood is so expensive

(Business Insider, March 12, 2022) Sandalwood is one of the most expensive woods in the world: One kilogram of Indian sandalwood can cost $200. Its unique, long-lasting aroma makes it extremely sought after. And when that aroma is distilled into oil, a single kilogram can cost $8,000. Today, sandalwood oil is a coveted ingredient for perfumes, soaps, and incense sticks. What's so special about sandalwood's aroma? And is that why the wood is so expensive?