East Indian Rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but can be narrowly interlocked; medium to coarse texture with large open pores that may create a visible needle-point grain pattern on the face.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from golden brown to deep purple with dark brown/black streaks; sapwood is pale yellow. It features high luster and can darken more toward deep purples/blacks with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; naturally resistant to decay and rot, as well as termite and insect attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, musical instruments (especially acoustic guitar backs, sides, and fretboards), high-end cabinetry, wood turning, and specialty veneer.
Geographic Origin
India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia (Plantation grown).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $45.00 - $65.00 per board foot depending on figure and source.
Wood Age Estimate
Likely modern kiln-dried stock (1-5 years old) given the clean surfacing and wax-sealed ends typically found on hobbyist turning blanks.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II; classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List; available with FSC certification from plantations.
Workability
Generally works well with both hand and machine tools, though it can dull cutting edges due to high density. It glues well but surface oils can occasionally interfere with some finishes; takes a high polish.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, rose-like sweet scent when being worked; contains natural oils that provide a smooth, waxy feel; wood dust can be a sensitizer/allergen.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based finishes (tung oil or linseed oil) enhance chatoyance; clear lacquers or polyurethane are common for musical instruments. A light wipe with acetone before gluing is recommended to remove surface oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep purple-brown hue with consistent dark linear streaking, coarse open pores, and dark wax-sealed ends are characteristic of Dalbergia latifolia hobbyist blanks.