East Indian Rosewood
Dalbergia latifolia · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia
- Hardness
- 2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, and generally resistant to termite attack.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
2,440 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, and generally resistant to termite attack.
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.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, musical instruments (acoustic guitar backs and sides, fretboards), cabinetry, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia
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.
Finish Recommendations
Lacquer or polyurethane are standard for furniture; natural oils and waxes are preferred for a more tactile feel or instrument fretboards.
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.
