Genuine Mahogany (Honduran Mahogany)
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium texture; exhibits a consistent ribbon-stripe pattern typical of quarter-sawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish-brown with a distinct salmon-pink hue in fresh cuts, darkening to a deep rich red-brown with age; exhibits moderate natural luster and strong chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though only moderately resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, boat building, musical instruments (especially guitar backs/necks), fine veneers, and turnery.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (ranging from Southern Mexico to central Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 to $25.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the moderate darkening and lack of deep surface oxidation, the sample appears to be seasoned stock likely 2 to 10 years old.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II; classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List; FSC certified sources are preferred but restricted.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes very well, though interlocked grain can occasionally cause tearout during planing.
Notable Features
Famous for its dimensional stability and resonant acoustic properties; releases a faint, spicy scent when worked.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts almost any finish; oil-based finishes enhance the depth and chatoyance, while grain fillers are often used for a high-gloss formal look.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the reddish-pink hue, distinct vessel line patterns on the face, and the classic medium-textured grain is characteristic of Swietenia macrophylla.