Zitan (Red Sandalwood)
Pterocarpus santalinus · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Southern India (primarily Andhra Pradesh), though widely associated with East Asian luxury furniture.
- Hardness
- ~2,850 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; naturally resistant to decay and termite attack due to high density and natural oils.
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Grain Pattern
Usually interlocked, sometimes wavy; features fine, dense grain with occasional 'cow hair' or 'ox hair' patterns (elongated Vessel elements seen as fine gold or red streaks). Large burls and small knots can be present.
Color & Appearance
Deep crimson or purplish-black heartwood that darkens significantly with age to a near-black. The sapwood is pale yellow. High natural luster and chatoyancy when polished.
Hardness (Janka)
~2,850 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; naturally resistant to decay and termite attack due to high density and natural oils.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2,000 - $3,000 per board foot (Highly regulated/Extremely expensive)
- Wood Age Estimate
- The object appears to be a modern reproduction or mid-to-late 20th-century piece based on the lacquer sheen and joinery finish, though the wood itself is slow-grown heartwood.
- Sustainability Status
- CITES Appendix II listed and IUCN Red List category 'Endangered'. Highly regulated trade due to historical over-harvesting.
Common Uses
High-end reproduction antique Chinese furniture (Ming and Qing dynasty styles), fine carvings, musical instruments, turned objects, and luxury collectibles.
Geographic Origin
Southern India (primarily Andhra Pradesh), though widely associated with East Asian luxury furniture.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density. Very abrasive on cutting tools. Planes with risk of tearout on interlocked grain but polishes to a naturally high luster with very fine sandpaper.
Finish Recommendations
Natural wax or shellac. Traditionally often finished with just a fine sanding and light wax to allow the natural oils and darkening patina to develop over decades.
Notable Features
Contains santalin (a red dye). It sinks in water due to its density being greater than 1.0. Often lacks a distinct scent compared to other Dalbergia species.
