Zitan (Small-leaf Red Sandalwood)
Pterocarpus santalinus • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain with a dense, fine texture. Exhibits the characteristic 'ox-hair' or 'S-shaped' grain patterns common in high-grade Dalbergia or Pterocarpus species.
Color Description
Deep purplish-black to dark reddish-brown heartwood. The wood shows high luster and a natural oiliness. Over decades, it naturally oxidizes from a vibrant red to a deep, dark ebony-like patina.
Hardness Rating
approx. 3,000 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high density and natural oils.
Common Uses
Luxury furniture (Ming/Qing style), high-end carvings, traditional musical instruments, and fine art objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern India; historically imported into China for imperial furniture.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$100 - $300 per board foot; finished antique furniture pieces of this wood can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Wood Age Estimate
The patina and wear suggest a mid-to-late 20th-century vintage (40-60 years), though the style mimics classical Ming dynasty furniture.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II and IUCN Red List as Endangered due to over-harvesting.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and interlocked grain. It has a high dulling effect on tools but holds intricate carving detail exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Sinks in water (specific gravity > 1.0). Known for its distinct faint, pleasant fragrance and for leaving a reddish dye when rubbed against abrasive surfaces.
Finish Recommendations
Traditional wax or shellac finish to allow the wood's natural oils and grain character to shine; often left with a simple hand-buffed wax finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep purple-black patina, 'ox-hair' grain patterns, and the specific 'bamboo-style' joinery/carving are characteristic of high-end Zitan luxury furniture.