Snakewood
Brosimum guianense • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a highly distinctive figure resembling snakeskin, leopard spots, or hieroglyphics; fine, uniform texture.
Color Description
Heartwood is reddish-brown with contrasting dark brown or black patches/specks. Luster is high and naturally oily. It tends to darken and become even more rich with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
3,800 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though rarely used in outdoor applications due to cost.
Common Uses
Veneer, inlay, tool handles, violin bows, umbrella handles, walking sticks, and small turned objects or artistic carvings.
Geographic Origin
Coastal regions of Northeast South America (Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$50.00 - $150.00 per board foot; often sold by weight or piece due to high cost and rarity.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern carving; the wood itself is slow-growing, likely harvested from a tree over 50 years old, but the artifact shows contemporary finishing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List, but availability is limited because only small amounts of figured wood are found in each tree.
Workability
Difficult; extremely dense wood quickly dulls blades. Tends to be brittle and prone to splitting. Glues well and turns excellently. Requires sharp tools and high speeds.
Notable Features
One of the world's densest and hardest woods; it sinks in water. Known for its unique "letterwood" appearance and mild, pleasant scent when worked.
Finish Recommendations
Takes a high natural polish; high-gloss finishes like lacquer or cyanoacrylate (CA) help highlight depth. Waxes and oils are also effective.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct 'snakeskin' figure and reddish-brown base color are unique to Brosimum guianense, particularly in high-end carvings.