East Indian Rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Usually narrowly interlocked, sometimes straight. It features a medium-to-coarse texture with large open pores and a beautiful cathedral figure in this flat-sawn sample.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from golden brown to deep purple/dark brown with darker blackish streaks. Sapwood is pale yellowish-white and clearly demarcated. The colors darken and become more uniform with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. High natural resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay; heartwood is extremely durable for exterior use but primarily used indoors.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, musical instruments (especially acoustic guitar backs and sides), veneers, knife handles, turned objects, and high-end cabinetry.
Geographic Origin
Native to India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia (Sonokeling).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern stock (under 10 years) based on the bright, distinct contrast between sapwood and heartwood, indicating limited surface oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II (all Dalbergia species) and classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to past over-exploitation.
Workability
Generally good but can be difficult due to high density and interlocked grain which may cause tearout. Its high oil content can sometimes interfere with glue bonding.
Notable Features
Possesses a distinct, rose-like fragrance when being worked. High natural oil content makes it naturally lustrous. Can be a sensitizer/irritant for some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Natural oils (tung or linseed) and waxes highlight the grain best. Shellac or lacquer are also common, though a sealer may be needed due to the wood's oils.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic purple-brown heartwood with dark banding, combined with the sharp contrast of the yellowish sapwood and the specific pore structure, is highly indicative of the Dalbergia genus, specifically D. latifolia.