East Indian Rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually narrowly interlocked with a medium to coarse texture. It often shows a ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn, with uniform to irregular grain direction.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from golden brown to deep purple-brown with dark streaks; sapwood is pale yellowish-white. It often darkens with age, becoming more uniform in deep brown hues.
Hardness Rating
2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, and generally resistant to termite attack.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, musical instruments (acoustic guitar backs and sides, fretboards), cabinetry, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be finished and aged, likely 5-15 years old based on the depth of the oxidation and the darkened streaks characteristic of older heartwood.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II; IUCN status Vulnerable due to over-exploitation and habitat loss.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. It glues and finishes well, but high oil content can sometimes interfere with bonding.
Notable Features
Distinctive rose-like scent when being worked. Known for its resonance in acoustic instruments and high natural oil content which provides a natural luster.
Finish Recommendations
Lacquer or polyurethane are standard for furniture; natural oils and waxes are preferred for a more tactile feel or instrument fretboards.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep purplish-brown hue combined with the distinct dark linear grain streaks and large open pores are classic diagnostic features of Dalbergia latifolia.