GC stands for Gas Chromatograph. In simple terms, a GC separates an Essential Oil into its individual components. Upon entry into the device, the oil is vaporized. Next, assisted by a carrier gas (usually Helium or Hydrogen), it passes through a column. The column itself sits within an oven. Here, the change in heat that takes place over time is controlled. Different chemical compounds react at different speeds within the column, and this information is captured on the Gas Chromatograph.
GC reports are unique and, in many publications, they are referred to as ‘fingerprints’ of that particular batch of Essential Oil. GC reports help purchasers protect an oil’s quality by ensuring that major constituents are within generally accepted guidelines. Also, they provide quantitative proof that the received product matches approved samples.
Still, it is important to note some of the limitations with GCs; while a GC may produce a unique fingerprint of an Essential Oil, this result is often unique to the GC device and the skill of the user. Even when conditions (such as the type of column being used, ambient temperature, retention rates, etc.) are held equal, results might have slight variations. Another limitation is that without Mass Spectrometry (MS) – a device significantly more expensive than even a GC – an oil’s individual components cannot be identified. In recent years, this has become less of an issue, as libraries of reference are being compiled and made available. Sources are typically Food and Flavor journals and, by replicating conditions with a GC, major constituents can now be reasonably identified.
We are one of the few companies in our industry who own and operate our own Gas Chromatograph and doing so enables us to go one step further in protecting our quality..