Amboyna Burl
Pterocarpus indicus · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Solomon Islands.
- Hardness
- 1,260 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; heartwood is extremely resistant to termite attack and rot, though the burl portions can be more brittle than straight grain.
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Grain Pattern
Dense burl figure with highly irregular, swirling grain. Features numerous small clusters of "bird's eye" (eyes) and interlocked, wavy grain typical of burl growths.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood varies from golden yellow to medium reddish-brown. Sapwood is a pale yellow. It possesses a high natural luster and significant chatoyance; colors tend to darken and mellow with age.
Hardness (Janka)
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; heartwood is extremely resistant to termite attack and rot, though the burl portions can be more brittle than straight grain.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $60.00 to $100.00 per board foot (Burl wood is often sold by the piece or by weight; a pen blank like this is typically $10-$20).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Indeterminable precisely for this blank, but burls take decades to form on living trees; this is a modern commercial cut blank with fresh shop markings.
- Sustainability Status
- Vulnerable (IUCN Red List). Pterocarpus indicus is generally listed as vulnerable due to over-harvesting; trade is regulated in certain regions.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, fine cabinetry, veneer, knife handles, luxury jewelry boxes, turnery, and musical instruments (decorative accents).
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, the Philippines, and the Solomon Islands.
Workability
Difficult due to extremely wild and irregular grain. High risk of tearout during planing or jointing. Glues, turns, and finishes exceptionally well, though it can have a dulling effect on tools.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or clear lacquers to enhance chatoyance and depth. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane also work well to protect the fragile burl surface.
Notable Features
Often considered the most sought-after burl in the world. It emits a pleasant, faintly sweet aroma when worked and is highly prized for its aesthetic depth and color.
