Snakewood
Brosimum guianense • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked with highly distinctive speckled figure resembling a snake's skin or leopard spots (letterwood figure). Very fine, even texture.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish brown with contrasting dark brown or black patches. Colors darken and become more uniform with age. High natural luster and significant chatoyance in figured areas.
Hardness Rating
3,800 lbf (Extremely Hard). It is one of the hardest and densest woods in the world.
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and insect attack, though rarely used in outdoor applications due to cost and brittleness.
Common Uses
Used primarily for small specialty items like violin bows, knife handles, umbrella handles, walking sticks, fine inlay, and fountain pens.
Geographic Origin
Northeast coast of South America, primarily Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Highly expensive, often ranging from $100 to $200 per board foot, or sold by the piece/weight for smaller turning blanks.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears relatively modern, likely a pen blank or handle billet surfaced recently, showing minimal oxidation or UV-induced darkening.
Sustainability Status
Not currently CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, but it is considered rare and difficult to source in large, clear dimensions.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and brittle nature. High tendency to splinter or crack. Dulls cutters rapidly. Glues well but requires careful surface preparation due to high density.
Notable Features
Remarkably heavy (sinks in water). Significant risk of checking and cracking during seasoning. Known for its 'letterwood' appearance where dark spots mimic hieroglyphics.
Finish Recommendations
Takes an exceptionally high natural polish. Recommended finishing with oils or wax to highlight the figure. Film-forming finishes like lacquer can work but may risk adhesion issues if the wood moves.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic 'snakeskin' speckle pattern combined with the deep reddish-brown base color and fine texture is unique to Brosimum guianense.