East India Rosewood

East India Rosewood is a classic tropical hardwood prized for its rich reddish-brown to dark brown heartwood with subtle darker streaks, fine texture, and natural luster. Native to the Indian subcontinent, particularly India and surrounding regions, this hardwood is celebrated for its strength, stability, and exquisite appearance, making it ideal for artisan woodworking and decorative projects.

Its straight to interlocked grain allows East India Rosewood to machine, turn, and sand smoothly, producing a polished surface that highlights its deep, warm tones. Perfect for pen blanks, knife handles, turned objects, inlays, musical instruments, and luxury furniture accents, East India Rosewood combines elegance with functional performance.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Dalbergia latifolia

Family: Fabaceae

Origin: Indian subcontinent (India, Nepal, Bangladesh)

Common & Trade Names

East India Rosewood, Indian Rosewood, Dalbergia, East Indian Rosewood, Indian Dalbergia

Key Characteristics

Heartwood: rich reddish-brown to dark brown with darker streaks

Sapwood: pale, clearly defined

Grain: straight to interlocked, fine texture

Dense, hard, and durable

Smooth natural luster

Resistant to wear and decay

Workability

Dense and hard; sharp tools recommended

Machines, sands, and turns cleanly

Accepts stains, oils, and finishes beautifully

Glues and polishes reliably

Ideal for precision and decorative projects

Health & Safety Note

East India Rosewood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Use proper dust extraction, respirator, and eye protection when machining or sanding.

East India Rosewood wood, Dalbergia latifolia, Indian Rosewood, exotic hardwood blanks, pen blank wood, knife handle wood, turning wood, decorative hardwood, artisan craft wood