Jatoba (Brazilian Cherry)
Hymenaea courbaril · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central America, southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
- Hardness
- 2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to termites and rot, though susceptible to marine borers.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked, medium textured grain. The sample shows typical straight-to-slightly-wavy fibers with a coarse texture, which is characteristic of the Hymenaea genus when turned and polished.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a rich, medium to dark reddish-brown. Displays significant darkening upon exposure to light. The sapwood is typically grayish-white but not visible in this turned sample.
Hardness (Janka)
2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to termites and rot, though susceptible to marine borers.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $15.00 per board foot; pen blanks typically sell for $2.00 - $5.00 each.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The wood appears to be relatively new stock (less than 10 years), as the finish is fresh and the oxidation is consistent with modern kiln-dried lumber.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List; not CITES listed. Widely available and generally considered sustainable in most regions.
Common Uses
Flooring, heavy construction, tool handles, furniture, cabinetry, and turned objects like pens.
Geographic Origin
Central America, southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. Has a moderate blunting effect on cutters. Glues, stains, and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a glass-smooth surface.
Finish Recommendations
Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue finish is best for turned pens to provide a durable, high-gloss barrier; otherwise, lacquer or oil-based polyurethanes work well.
Notable Features
Highly shock-resistant and heavy. When being worked, it sometimes emits a faint, characteristic scent. High tannin content can react with water-based finishes.
