Omani Frankincense Grade Guide

Omani frankincense is harvested from the Boswellia sacra tree in Dhofar, southern Oman. Grades differ by growing region, colour, size and purity. This guide helps you choose the right grade for your use.

The four grades by harvest region

GradeGrowing regionLook & colourAromaBest for
HojariInland highlands behind the Dhofar mountains (Hojar)Large translucent pieces, silvery white to pale greenClean, fresh and citrusySoaking & drinking (edible grade), premium burning and gifts
NajdiNajd desert plateau north of the mountainsMedium to large pieces, creamy yellow-whiteStrong and warmEveryday burning and traditional uses
ShazriMountain slopesMedium pieces, slightly darkerModerateHome burning at a good price
ShaabiCoastal plainsSmaller pieces, yellow to brownLightEconomical everyday burning

How to recognise good frankincense

  • Clarity: the more translucent and clean the piece, the higher the grade.
  • Size: large pieces cost more than small pieces and powder.
  • Few impurities: good resin is almost free of bark and dust.
  • Aroma: genuine resin smells fresh and lightly citrusy, never smoky or damp.

How to use it

  • Burning: place a few pieces on lit charcoal or an electric burner.
  • Soaking & drinking: only use frankincense labelled edible; soak a few pieces in clean water overnight.
  • Chewing: only pure, edible-grade pieces.

Storage

Keep frankincense in an airtight container away from heat, humidity and sunlight so it keeps its aroma for a long time.

Frankincense is a natural product and is not a substitute for medical advice.

Shop Hojari frankincenseEdible frankincenseAll Omani frankincense

About Omani Frankincense

A brief encyclopedia of Dhofar's natural treasure

What Is Frankincense?

Frankincense is a natural resin extracted from the Boswellia sacra tree, considered one of the rarest and finest frankincense trees in the world.

When the tree's trunk is scored using a traditional, carefully studied method, it releases a milky liquid that hardens over time into frankincense tears, known for their unique fragrant aroma.

The Home of Omani Frankincense

The finest frankincense grows in southern Oman, specifically in the Dhofar governorate.

A unique seasonal climate (Khareef)

Dry mountain soil

A pristine natural environment

These factors give Omani frankincense its aromatic character and a high concentration of active compounds, which is why it's classified worldwide as the finest frankincense available.

Frankincense Through History

For thousands of years, Omani frankincense was a precious commodity, at times more valuable than gold.

It traveled along the "Incense Route" from the ports of southern Oman to reach the civilizations of the ancient world. Today, the Al-Baleed Archaeological Park stands as a living witness to this great trading legacy.

  • Religious rituals
  • Embalming in ancient Egyptian civilization
  • Royal perfumes
  • Traditional medicine in the East and West

The Scientific Composition of Frankincense

Frankincense contains several active natural compounds, most notably:
  • Boswellic acids
  • Natural essential oils
  • Antioxidant compounds
Recent studies have shown growing interest in its properties related to supporting immunity and general health (please refer to specialized medical sources for details).

Types of Omani Frankincense

1️⃣

Hojari

  • The highest quality
  • Translucent, golden-tinged color
  • Strong, pure aroma
  • Harvested from mountain regions
2️⃣

Najdi

  • Very good quality
  • Whitish tone
  • Wide range of uses
3️⃣

Shazri

  • Medium quality
  • Relatively darker color
4️⃣

Sha'abi

  • Everyday use
  • Lower purity compared to Hojari

How Frankincense Is Used

Traditional Use

  • Burning to scent a space
  • Chewing it
  • Soaking it in water and drinking it

Modern Use

  • Extracting frankincense essential oil
  • Skincare products
  • Aromatherapy
  • Personal care products

Why Is Omani Frankincense Considered the World's Best?

  • A geographically limited natural source
  • Higher aromatic purity
  • High concentration of active compounds
  • A documented history spanning thousands of years
  • A well-established global reputation

Not all frankincense is Omani frankincense.

And not all Omani frankincense is authentic Hojari.

Our Commitment at Al Luban Store

At Al Luban Store, we believe frankincense isn't just a product…
it's an Omani legacy that deserves to be presented to the world with quality worthy of its history.

That's why we're committed to:

  • Selecting the finest grades of frankincense
  • Precise grading and classification
  • Secure, careful storage
  • Premium packaging
  • Sharing accurate knowledge about it

Our goal is for this page to be a reference for anyone seeking a genuine understanding of Omani frankincense.