East Indian Rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium-coarse texture and narrow, dark growth rings or 'spider-webbing' streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from golden brown to deep purple or dark brown with even darker streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. It darkens significantly with age, moving toward deep brown-purples.
Hardness Rating
2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high natural resistance to rot, fungal attack, and termites. Suitable for musical instruments and high-end furniture.
Common Uses
Acoustic and electric guitar fingerboards, backs and sides; luxury furniture; fine cabinetry; decorative veneers; woodturning.
Geographic Origin
India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia (specifically Java).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$30.00 to $65.00 per board foot depending on figure and sizing (luthier-grade sets are priced higher).
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era; likely manufactured within the last 10-30 years based on the luster and finish condition.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. Legal documentation is required for international trade of raw timber and large products.
Workability
Generally fair, though the high density and natural oils can dull cutters; interlocked grain can cause tear-out during planing; glues and finishes well but may require surface degreasing.
Notable Features
Distinctive rose-like scent when worked; high resonance making it prized for musical instruments; contains natural oils that protect the wood but can inhibit some finishes.
Finish Recommendations
Lacquer or polyurethane are common; natural oils or wax work well for fingerboards. Solvent-based sealers are recommended to prevent bleeding of dark resins.
Identification Confidence
High. The deep purplish-brown hue combined with the tight, dark linear grain streaks and slightly open pores are diagnostic for East Indian Rosewood, especially on a curved musical instrument component.