East Indian Rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually narrowly interlocked, sometimes straight. It features a medium-to-coarse texture with large open pores that can create a slightly fibrous feel.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from golden brown to deep purple or dark brown with even darker blackish streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. The wood tends to darken and become more uniform with age through oxidation.
Hardness Rating
2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent natural resistance to fungus, rot, and termites, though sapwood is susceptible to powder post beetles.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, acoustic and electric guitar components (fretboards, bridges), fine cabinetry, veneers, turnery, and musical instrument bodies.
Geographic Origin
Native to India, but also grown across Southeast Asia and Indonesia (where it is often called Sonokeling).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 to $50.00 per board foot depending on figure and thickness; significantly higher for instrument-grade sets.
Wood Age Estimate
Unknown from photo, though surface oxidation suggests it is freshly milled or recently sanded stock.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II. Included on the IUCN Red List as vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the high density and interlocked grain can cause some blunting of cutters and occasional tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well but requires care due to natural oils.
Notable Features
Distinctive rose-like fragrance when being worked. Known for exceptional tonal qualities in lutherie. Dust can be a sensitizer/allergen for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Oil finishes highlight the depth and color; lacquer or shellac are commonly used. Oily resin content may require a wipe-down with acetone or a sealer coat to ensure proper finish adhesion.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic purple-brown hue combined with dark vertical streaking and open-pore structure is diagnostic of the Dalbergia genus, specifically Indian Rosewood.