East Indian Rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain results in a coarse texture; features varied figure with dark streaks and occasional wavy or cathedral patterns in parquetry blocks.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from golden brown to deep purple/burgundy with dark brown streaks. Colors tend to darken or deepen with age, often losing purple hues to become darker brown.
Hardness Rating
2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and insect attack, though rarely used in applications where decay is a factor due to cost.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, musical instruments (guitar fingerboards and backs), high-end cabinetry, parquet flooring, turnery, and veneers.
Geographic Origin
India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia (Plantation grown).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$40.00 - $60.00 per board foot (subject to sizing and figure quality).
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years old based on the oxidation levels of the finish and mid-century aesthetic of the parquetry construction.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. Subject to strict international trade regulations.
Workability
Generally difficult to work with hand tools due to high density and interlocked grain; prone to tearout. Glues and finishes well, though natural oils can occasionally interfere with drying.
Notable Features
Distinctive rose-like scent when being worked; high oil content and natural luster; can be an irritant/sensitizer to skin and lungs.
Finish Recommendations
Lacquer or polyurethane provide the most durable protective film; natural oils (Tung or Linseed) enhance the chatoyance and grain depth.
Identification Confidence
High. The deep purplish-brown tones combined with black streaks and the specific interlocked grain texture in a parquetry layout are diagnostic of Dalbergia latifolia.