East Indian Rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture. This sample displays a wild, irregular figure with distinct swirled growth rings and dark 'landscape' streaks typical of crotch or stump wood.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from golden brown to deep purple or dark brown with even darker streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. The color tends to deepen and become more uniform with age, though sun exposure can cause it to fade slightly over long periods.
Hardness Rating
2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent decay resistance; heartwood is highly resistant to termite and wood-boring insect attacks.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (guitar fretboards and bodies), fine furniture, cabinetry, luxury veneers, turnery, and decorative knife handles.
Geographic Origin
India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia (Java)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $25.00 to $45.00 per board foot, depending on grain figure and sizing.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be from a mature tree (over 50 years based on grain density) and the sample looks to have some surface oxidation, suggesting it has been cut or planed at least 1-5 years ago.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Trade is strictly regulated.
Workability
Difficult to work due to high density and interlocked grain, which can cause significant tearout. It has a high oil content that can interfere with gluing and dull tool blades quickly.
Notable Features
Distinctive rose-like scent when being worked. High natural oil content makes it naturally lustrous. Excellent acoustic properties make it a premier choice for luthiers.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) or wax to highlight the natural oils. For film finishes like polyurethane, a wax-free sealer or shellac is required to prevent adhesion issues.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic purple-brown hues, dark ink-like striations, and coarse pore structure are signature traits of Dalbergia latifolia.