Bloodwood
Brosimum rubescens · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Tropical South America (notably the Amazon River basin)
- Hardness
- 2,900 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack. Highly resistant to moisture.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
2,900 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack. Highly resistant to moisture.
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.
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)
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.
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.
Notable Features
Distinctive vibrant red color; very heavy and dense. It lacks a characteristic odor when being worked but has high acoustic resonance.
