Orris Oil

Orris Root Concrete Botanical Name: Iris germanica Common Name(s): Orris Butter, or Beurre d'Iris Country of Origin: France Orris oil is an essential oil derived from irises. It is sometimes used as a flavoring agent and as an ingredient in some perfumes. They are uses in body lotions as well. The rhizomes(Root) should be stored well protected against fungus and insect attack, for three years. The fresh rhizomes are almost odorless. The distilled oil solidifies in the receiver to a wax-like , cream colored mass known as Orris Concrete. It is solid because of its high content of myristic acid, a white, sterin like substance. Orris Concrete melts at about body temperature, and has a woody, fatty-oily but distinctly violet-like odor, with a truity undertone, sweet floral , warm & tenacious. Orris Concrete is used in perfumery as such when the presence of myristic acid is not prohibitive, e.g. in soap perfumes where the weak acid only acts as a fixative. Also note, the methyl and ethyl esteres of myristic acid are often used as blenders in violet type perfume bases. Because of the high cost of Orris concrete it limits its application to a certain degree, but even small percentages of this exquisite material lends very fine effects to various perfume types other than the old fashioned violet.

Ref: S. Arctander - Perfume & Flavor Materials of Natural Origin