East Indian Rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight with occasional narrow interlocked grain; medium to coarse texture with large open pores visible in the dark heartwood; flat-sawn displaying subtle cathedral peaks toward the top.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from golden brown to deep purple or dark brown with darker streaks; the sapwood is a distinct pale yellowish-white and clearly demarcated as shown. Colors tend to darken and become more uniform with age/UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; naturally resistant to rot and termite attack, suitable for high-quality exterior applications though mostly used indoors.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (guitar fretboards and bodies), high-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, turned objects, and decorative knife handles.
Geographic Origin
India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia (Plantation grown as Sonokeling).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Post-harvest sample likely aged 1-5 years; the board appears recently milled but sufficiently dried for shop use, showing minimal oxidation on the freshly exposed heartwood.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. Trade is heavily regulated and requires certification for international transport.
Workability
Generally works well but can be difficult due to high density and interlocked grain which causes tearout; contains natural oils that can interfere with gluing; dulls cutters quickly.
Notable Features
Distinctive rose-like scent when being worked; high natural oil content; excellent acoustic properties known for deep resonance; potential skin irritant/sensitizer.
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes well but oils may require a seal coat of dewaxed shellac to prevent drying issues. Traditional nitrocellulose lacquer or polyurethane are recommended for instruments.
Identification Confidence
High; the stark contrast between the pale sapwood and the dark purplish-brown heartwood, combined with the specific pore structure and grain orientation, is characteristic of Dalbergia latifolia.