East Indian Rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium-coarse texture. Visible dark growth rings or streaks (landscape grain) are prominent.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from golden brown to deep purple or dark brown with even darker streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. It typically darkens with age and exposure to light, losing some purple hues for deep browns.
Hardness Rating
2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to heartwood rot and moderately resistant to insect attacks.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, musical instruments (especially guitar backs, sides, and fretboards), cabinetry, veneers, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia (widely cultivated in Indian plantations).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Indeterminate from image, though the oxidation levels and surface wear suggest a piece that has been processed and stored for 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. Subject to strict trade regulations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though high oil content can clog sandpaper and the interlocked grain can cause tear-out during planing.
Notable Features
Distinctive rose-like scent when being worked. High natural oil content makes it naturally lustrous but can pose challenges for gluing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes most finishes well; however, due to natural oils, a sealer coat of dewaxed shellac is recommended before applying lacquers or polyurethanes.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The deep purple-brown coloration, dark streaking, and oily appearance are hallmarks of true Rosewood (Dalbergia) species, though specific origin identification without scent testing is difficult.