Pink Ivory
Berchemia zeyheri • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight or slightly interlocked with a fine, even texture. This sample shows a flat-sawn face with subtle, tight grain lines.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from pale pink to a vibrant, deep neon pink. Sapwood is yellowish to light brown. Notably, the color can fade or turn brownish/orange over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
3,230 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; possesses excellent decay resistance and is resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
Carving, turning (bowls and pens), knife handles, jewelry, inlay, and small ornamental luxury items.
Geographic Origin
Southern Africa, primarily Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$100.00 - $150.00 per board foot (one of the most expensive and rare woods in the world).
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern sample; the vibrant pink color suggests it has not yet undergone significant oxidation or UV-induced darkening associated with old stock.
Sustainability Status
Not currently listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List, though it is considered rare and highly regulated in its native countries.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme density and hardness. It has a high blunting effect on cutters. It turns and finishes exceptionally well, polishing to a natural high luster.
Notable Features
Distinctive neon pink color and incredibly high density (it sinks in water). It has a faint, pleasant scent when being worked and is considered a royal wood in Zulu culture.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss finishes or clear oils help highlight the color. A UV-inhibiting clear coat is strongly recommended to preserve the vibrant pink hue and prevent browning.
Identification Confidence
High; the unique 'neon' pink hue combined with the tight, fine-grained texture is diagnostic of Pink Ivory (Berchemia zeyheri).