Bloodwood
Brosimum rubescens • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked, fine texture with a slight chatoyance. No prominent figure like burl is visible, but the grain possesses a dense, uniform arrangement characteristic of tropical heartwoods.
Color Description
Heartwood is a vivid, strawberry red. It can darken to a deeper brownish-red over time with UV exposure. Sapwood is yellowish-white and clearly demarcated. It possesses a high natural luster.
Hardness Rating
2,900 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack. Highly resistant to moisture.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (especially fingerboards), fine furniture, inlay, knife handles, turned objects, and high-end exterior trim.
Geographic Origin
Tropical South America (notably the Amazon River basin)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be a finished piece of furniture or woodwork with some surface wear and oxidation, likely 5-15 years old based on the darkening of the red pigment.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered a sustainable exotic wood.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme hardness and density. It has a high blunting effect on cutters. Glues and finishes well, though its density requires sharp tools to prevent burning.
Notable Features
Distinctive vibrant red color; very heavy and dense. It lacks a characteristic odor when being worked but has high acoustic resonance.
Finish Recommendations
A clear UV-inhibiting polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to preserve the bright red color. Oils can significantly darken the wood to a deep maroon.
Identification Confidence
High; the intense red hue combined with the tight grain structure and high luster is characteristic of Brosimum rubescens, distinguishing it from Padauk (which is more orange) and Redheart.