Bubinga
Guibourtia spp. (G. demeusei, G. pellegriniana, G. tessmannii) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked with a fairly coarse texture. Highly prone to figured patterns like 'waterfall' or 'pommele' in larger slabs, though this sample shows a standard straight grain with some interlocking.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pinkish red to a darker reddish brown with darker purple or black streaks. It has a high natural luster and tends to darken with age and exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
2,410 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot and termite attack, suitable for marine environments.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, fine cabinetry, musical instruments (especially guitar backs and drums), turnery, knife handles, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Equatorial West Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $20.00 to $45.00 per board foot depending on figure and width. Large slabs can command significantly higher prices.
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh to recently dried (under 5 years). The color is vibrant with minimal oxidation or patina, and the rough-sawn edges suggest raw stock rather than an antique piece.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II; IUCN Red List classifies the three main species as Vulnerable/Endangered due to over-harvesting.
Workability
Difficult due to its high density and interlocked grain, which causes frequent tearout. It has a high silica content that dulls tool edges rapidly. Responds well to gluing and yields a high polish.
Notable Features
Often nicknamed 'African Rosewood' despite not being a true Dalbergia. It has a pleasant, mild scent when being worked and is exceptionally heavy and dense.
Finish Recommendations
Oil finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the natural luster and chatoyance. High-gloss polyurethane or lacquer is common for instruments to protect the color from UV shifting.
Identification Confidence
High. The pinkish-red hue combined with the distinct dark vascular pores and the coarse, interlocked texture are hallmark characteristics of Guibourtia species.