East Indian Rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually narrowly interlocked with a medium to coarse texture; features a straight to slightly irregular grain with visible dark growth rings that create a subtle streaking effect.
Color Description
Heartwood can range from a golden brown to a deep purplish brown, with darker brown or black streaks. Sapwood is typically a pale yellowish-white and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood. It maintains a high natural luster and tends to darken with age/light exposure.
Hardness Rating
2,440 lbf (Very Hard to Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and most insect attacks including termites.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (especially guitar backs, sides, and fingerboards), high-end furniture, cabinetry, turned objects, veneer, and knife handles.
Geographic Origin
Native to India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia (Java).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $25.00 to $45.00 per board foot depending on figure and width; often sold by the piece for instrument sets.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the oxidation level and the dryness of the surface fibers, this sample appears to be seasoned for several years, likely 5-10 years old since milling.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II; classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to past over-exploitation and habitat loss.
Workability
Generally good but can be challenging due to its high density and interlocked grain which may cause tearout during planing. It contains natural oils that can interfere with gluing and clogging of sandpaper.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, rose-like scent when being worked. Known for exceptional tonal properties in acoustics. High natural oil content makes it naturally resistant to moisture.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or lacquer. Surface must be wiped with a solvent (like acetone or denatured alcohol) prior to gluing or finishing to remove surface oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep purple-brown hues combined with characteristic black streaks, coarse vessel structure, and interlocked grain are definitive hallmarks of Dalbergia latifolia.