Cocobolo
Dalbergia retusa • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked with a fine, even texture. Shows distinctive dark streaks and some swirling or irregular figure.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from orange, red, and brown with dark purple or black streaks; yellow sapwood is clearly demarcated. Deepens to a rich reddish-brown over time with UV exposure. Highly lustrous with natural chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
2,960 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot and insect attack due to high natural oil content.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, musical instruments (especially guitars and woodwinds), turned objects, knife handles, luxury fountain pens, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Central America (extending from Mexico down to Panama).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$50.00 - $80.00 per board foot; turning blanks often sold individually at higher premiums.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (likely processed within the last 5-10 years) based on the crisp edges and lack of significant oxidation or surface wear.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. Subject to strict trade regulations.
Workability
Difficult due to high density and oil content. Chips easily if tools are not sharp; oils can interfere with gluing and finishing. Can cause skin and respiratory irritation.
Notable Features
Distinctive spicy, floral scent when worked. Naturally oily and waterproof. One of the few woods that will sink in water because of its high density. Highly allergenic dust.
Finish Recommendations
Wax or oil finishes are best. Natural oils can prevent film-finishes like polyurethane from drying; if using lacquer, a sealer like shellac or a wax-free de-waxed barrier is required.
Identification Confidence
High. The coloring, characteristic dark 'landscape' streaks, and the texture are diagnostic of the Dalbergia genus, specifically Cocobolo.