Pink Ivory
Berchemia zeyheri • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to occasionally interlocked or wavy; fine, even texture with a naturally high luster.
Color Description
Ranges from pale pink to a vibrant, neon pink or deep red. Sapwood is yellowish to light brown. Color can fade to a brownish-orange over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
3,230 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Vary durable and decay resistant; excellent weather resistance but rarely used outdoors due to cost.
Common Uses
Knife handles, fine inlay, turned objects, carvings, small specialty items, and high-end jewelry boxes.
Geographic Origin
Southern Africa (Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$100.00 - $150.00 per board foot; often sold by the piece or by weight due to rarity.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut pen blank or turning square, likely processed within the last 5-10 years based on dimensions and surface condition.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List, though high-quality vibrant pink pieces are increasingly rare.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density; has a high blunting effect on tools. Sands very well and polishes to a naturally high glass-like sheen.
Notable Features
Considered a 'royal wood' in Zulu culture. Has a faint, pleasant scent when being worked. Very heavy and sinks in water.
Finish Recommendations
Tung oil or wipe-on-poly to preserve color. Highly recommends UV-inhibiting finishes to slow the natural fading of the pink hue.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the distinct neon pink hue is unique to this species, though the photo blur makes grain verification difficult.