Zitan (Small-leaf Red Sandalwood)
Pterocarpus santalinus · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Native to Southern India; historically imported into China for imperial furniture.
- Hardness
- approx. 3,000 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high density and natural oils.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
approx. 3,000 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot, termites, and fungal decay due to high density and natural oils.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
