East Indian Rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia (Java).
- Hardness
- 2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay and moderately resistant to insect attacks.
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Grain Pattern
Usually narrowly interlocked or straight; features medium-sized pores and a uniform texture with occasional darker streaks.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from golden brown to deep purple or dark brown with even darker streaks. Color tends to darken to a deep chocolate brown over time. Sapwood is yellowish-white and clearly demarcated.
Hardness (Janka)
2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay and moderately resistant to insect attacks.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $25.00 - $45.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Based on the oxidation and surface texture, the sample appears relatively recently milled, likely within the last 5-10 years.
- Sustainability Status
- CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable (due to population reduction).
Common Uses
Musical instruments (especially guitar fingerboards and bodies), high-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia (Java).
Workability
Generally good but can be challenging due to high density and interlocked grain; can dull cutting edges quickly. Glues and finishes well, though natural oils can sometimes interfere with curing.
Finish Recommendations
Lacquer, shellac, or wax. Natural oils like Teak or Tung oil work well, but solvent-based finishes may require a dewaxed shellac sealer first.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, rose-like scent when being worked. Known for exceptional resonant qualities (acoustic properties). Natural oils provide a low natural luster.
