Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)
Hymenaea courbaril • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with medium to coarse texture. Flat-sawn face visible with slight cathedral figure; wavy and irregular patterns appear near the live edge/bark junction.
Color Description
Heartwood is reddish-brown with darker streaks. Sapwood is a distinct light yellowish-gray (visible at the top edge). It exhibits high luster and will darken significantly to a deep reddish-brown upon exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and termites, though susceptible to marine borers.
Common Uses
Flooring, furniture, cabinetry, tool handles, ship building, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Central America, southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $18.00 per board foot (standard 4/4 select grade).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently surfaced (less than 1 year). The orange-red hue suggests it hasn't fully oxidized to its final deep burgundy color, and it shows modern tool marks.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern; widely available but subject to general tropical deforestation concerns. FSC certified lots are common.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme density and interlocked grain which causes tearout during planing. Has a moderate dulling effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often has a faint, distinctive scent when being worked; extremely heavy and impact-resistant; high silica content can dull saw blades quickly.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes or polyurethane are recommended to enhance the natural chatoyance. Due to its density, it does not require much sanding to achieve a high natural polish.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the salmon/orange-red heartwood, distinct yellow sapwood, extreme density evidenced by the clean edges of the bored holes, and characteristic grain texture are classic indicators of Jatoba.