East Indian Rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Usually narrowly interlocked, sometimes straight. It features a medium-to-coarse texture and a high natural luster with a visible ribbon-stripe figure common in quarter-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from golden brown to deep purplish-brown with darker black or dark violet streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. The color tends to darken or stay deep with age but can fade if exposed to heavy UV light.
Hardness Rating
2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and termites, though sapwood is susceptible to powder-post beetles.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, musical instruments (fretboards and guitar backs/sides), cabinetry, turnery, veneer, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Mainly India, but also grown in plantations in Java, Indonesia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$40.00 to $70.00 per board foot depending on figure and thickness.
Wood Age Estimate
The dark oxidation and existing furniture finish suggest this is a vintage piece, likely 40-60 years old.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. FSC certification is available but limited.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the high density and interlocked grain can cause some tear-out. Glues well and takes a high polish.
Notable Features
Distinctive rose-like scent when being worked. Known for its exceptional resonance and acoustic properties. It contains natural oils that can sometimes inhibit the drying of certain finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Oil finishes are popular to enhance the grain; shellac or lacquer are standard for furniture. Wipe with solvent before finishing to remove surface oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep violet-brown hue combined with the tight streaks and visible pore structure on a furniture rail is characteristic of vintage Dalbergia latifolia.