Bloodwood
Brosimum rubescens • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight to slightly interlocked with a fine, uniform texture; occasionally exhibits a subtle wavy or mottled figure in high-quality specimens.
Color Description
Vivid strawberry red heartwood that can deepen to a brownish rouge over time; sapwood is pale yellowish-white and clearly demarcated; possesses a natural silky luster and high chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
2,900 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attacks/termites; holds up well in outdoor environments.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, musical instruments (especially guitar fingerboards), decorative inlays, woodturning, knife handles, trim/accent work, and archery bows.
Geographic Origin
South America (primarily the Amazon river basin including Brazil, Peru, and Colombia).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on thickness and figuring.
Wood Age Estimate
Indeterminate from the image, but the deep oxidation suggests a seasoned blank; the surface shows minor abrasions indicative of a workshop material or offcut.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered a sustainable exotic alternative to more endangered rosewoods.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme density; can be hard on machine cutters and may cause burning; glues and finishes well, though its high density requires sharp tools to avoid tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive for its ability to maintain its red color better than many other red woods (like Padauk); has a mild, slightly spicy scent when worked; very heavy and sinks in water.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear, protective finishes like lacquer or polyurethane to prevent UV-induced darkening; tung oil or wax can enhance the natural luster but will darken the red over time.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the intense crimson hue, ultra-fine grain texture, and high density apparent in the sharp edges of the cut is characteristic of Brosimum rubescens.