Amboyna Burl (Narra Burl)
Pterocarpus indicus · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Southeast Asia, primarily northern Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and surrounding Pacific islands.
- Hardness
- 1,260 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; good natural resistance to decay and insect attack, though burl areas may contain small void spaces or bark inclusions.
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Grain Pattern
Extremely wild, swirling burl figure with clusters of small eyes, tight curls, and irregular interlocked grain directions throughout the blank.
Color & Appearance
Rich golden-yellow to deep reddish-orange and golden-brown heartwood with high natural luster and chatoyance. Color deepens and darkens slightly over time with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; good natural resistance to decay and insect attack, though burl areas may contain small void spaces or bark inclusions.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $30.00 to $75.00+ per pen blank or small block (equivalent to $100.00 to $250.00+ per board foot depending on figure intensity).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern harvested lumber, prepared within the last 1 to 5 years, showing clean machine cuts and minimal surface patina.
- Sustainability Status
- CITES Appendix II listed; endangered due to overharvesting. Sustainable sourcing requires appropriate permits and documentation.
Common Uses
Fine woodturning (pen blanks, knife handles), luxury vehicle trim, custom acoustic guitar tops, expensive boxes, high-end furniture accents, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, primarily northern Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and surrounding Pacific islands.
Workability
Can be tricky to plane or chisel due to the chaotic grain direction, leading to tearout; turns exceptionally well on a lathe and sands to an extremely smooth finish. Stabilizing resin is sometimes used for blanks with small voids.
Finish Recommendations
Wipe with solvent prior to finishing to clear surface oils; finishes extraordinarily well with CA glue (Cyanoacrylate) for turning, Tru-Oil, high-gloss polyurethane, or clear lacquers to pop the chatoyance.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, cedar-like scent when worked; prized for its vibrant red-gold hues and dense burl eyes; non-toxic but fine dust can cause respiratory irritation.
