Sandarac (or sandarach) is a resin obtained from the small cypress-like tree Tetraclinis articulata. The tree is native to the northwest of Africa with a notable presence in the Southern Morocco part of the Atlas mountains. The resin exudes naturally on the stems of the tree but is also obtained by making cuts on the bark. It solidifies when exposed to the air and comes to commerce in the form of small solid chips, translucent, and having a delicate yellow tinge. Historically, especially in the Late Medieval and Renaissance era, sandarac was used to make varnish. Sandarac has a fresh, warm, light, resinous, balsamic, slightly fruity, frankincense-like aroma and is often used as a fixative in woody, pine or oriental perfumes.