Bocote
Cordia gerascanthus / Cordia elaeagnoides • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked grain. Frequent 'bird's eye' or 'landscape' figures with striking dark streaks and swirling patterns that look like eyes or topography.
Color Description
Heartwood is a yellowish-brown with dramatic near-black streaks and highlights. The color tends to darken and the contrast can mellow slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
2,010 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; good natural resistance to rot but primarily used indoors due to its value and aesthetic properties.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneers, musical instruments (guitars), knife handles, and high-end turned objects like this pen.
Geographic Origin
Mexico, Central America, and South America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 - $50.00 per board foot; can be higher for exceptionally figured pieces.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample itself is likely freshly turned (1-5 years), though the timber was likely harvested from a tree 50+ years old.
Sustainability Status
Not currently CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, though it is a premium exotic that faces harvesting pressure.
Workability
Generally easy to work despite its density; high oil content can make gluing difficult, but it turns exceptionally well and takes a high natural polish.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'dill-like' or spicy scent when being worked. Very oily texture which contributes to its high natural luster and chatoyance.
Finish Recommendations
Cyanoacrylate (CA) finish is standard for pens to provide a durable gloss; also takes oils and waxes very well. Avoid heavy pigments that hide the grain.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic 'eye' figure and yellowish-brown base with dark, sweeping lines are definitive markers of Bocote, especially in small-scale turned items.