Pau Ferro (also known as Morado or Bolivian Rosewood)
Machaerium scleroxylon • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a fine even texture. This sample displays a prominent cathedral-like figure on the face with distinctive dark streaks and wavy growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from reddish-brown to dark violet-brown with black streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow. It possesses a high natural luster and develops a deep, rich patina over time.
Hardness Rating
1,960 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; rated as highly resistant to fungal decay and moderately resistant to insect attack, though not suitable for direct ground contact.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (fingerboards and guitar backs), fine furniture, high-end cabinetry, knife handles, billiard cues, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
South America, primarily Brazil and Bolivia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 to $45.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the rough-sawn oxidized surface and darkening of the streaks, this sample appears to be post-harvest seasoned for 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Not currently CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, though it is often used as a sustainable alternative to CITES-restricted Dalbergia species.
Workability
Difficult to work due to high density and interlocked grain, which can cause tearout during planing. It has a high silica content that dulls cutting edges quickly but glues and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Often produces a faint, spicy scent when worked. It is a known sensitizer; the dust can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues in some individuals. It has excellent tonal properties for instruments.
Finish Recommendations
Takes a high polish naturally. Recommended finishes include clear oils to pop the chatoyance, or wax. Avoid heavy stains that would obscure the natural variegation.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of a fine-diffuse porous structure, the specific 'tobacco' brown hue with black ink-like streaks, and the high-density fiber appearance is characteristic of Machaerium scleroxylon.