Technical Specifications of Chios Mastic Oil

In short: Chios mastic oil is a 100% natural essential oil obtained by water distillation of Chios mastic gum, with no additives or harmful substances. According to the official Technical Specifications issued by the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association, it is dominated by a-pinene, carries no known hazard, and shows independently confirmed antimicrobial and antifungal activity. 

Product identification

Product name Mastic Oil (Mastiha Oil)
Natural occurrence Distilled from Mastic Gum, the air-dried resinous exudation of Pistacia lentiscus L. (family Anacardiaceae), native to the Mediterranean and principally cultivated on the Greek island of Chios
CAS name Lentisque absolute
CAS number 61789-92-2
EINECS 263-098-6
GMO status Free from Genetically Modified Organisms and derivatives

Organoleptic & physical properties

Property Value
Physical form Resinous liquid
Colour Colourless to faintly yellow
Odour Balsamic, green and rustic
Density (d20) 0.83 – 0.87 g/ml (20°C)
Flash point +105°C
Refractive index (nD20) 1.4640 – 1.4680
Optical rotation [α]D +35° – +40°
Total acidity (as oleic acid) 0.06 – 0.09%
Freezing point Below 0°C

Typical chemical composition (GC-MS)

Evaluated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. As mastic oil is a natural product, actual concentrations vary with harvest and weather conditions; only compounds above 0.5% are listed.

Compound Composition (%)
a-pinene 70 – 85%
ß-myrcene 10 – 18%
ß-pinene 2 – 3.5%
Limonene 0.5 – 1.5%
ß-caryophyllene 0.3 – 1.2%
Camphene 0.2 – 1%

Microbiological safety & heavy metals

Mastic oil does not contain pathogenic organisms or their metabolic products in amounts harmful to the consumer, and shows antimicrobial and antifungal activity independently confirmed in published scientific literature.

Heavy metal Measured limit
Cadmium < 0.015 mg/kg
Lead < 0.1 mg/kg
Mercury < 0.04 mg/kg
Arsenic < 0.1 mg/kg

Shelf life & storage

Stable for 12 months when stored tightly closed in the original container, in a dry and cool place (above 7°C), away from light. No specific hazard is known for this product.

Official certificate

This Technical Specification is issued by the Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association. View or download the original document below.

View specifications (PDF)

Frequently asked questions

How is Chios mastic oil made?

It is obtained through water distillation of Chios mastic gum. The process is 100% natural, with no added substances that could affect the consumer.

What does mastic oil consist of?

GC-MS analysis shows it is dominated by a-pinene (70–85%), with ß-myrcene, ß-pinene, limonene, ß-caryophyllene and camphene making up most of the remainder.

Is mastic oil tested for heavy metals and safety?

Yes. Cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic all measure well within safe limits, no pathogenic organisms are present, and no specific hazard is identified for the product.

How should mastic oil be stored?

Keep the container tightly closed in a dry, cool place above 7°C, away from light and heat sources. Stored this way, it remains stable for 12 months.

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