Guatemala Rosewood

Guatemala Rosewood is a highly prized hardwood known for its rich reddish-brown to deep purplish-brown heartwood with dark streaks and fine, interlocked grain, offering both elegance and durability. Native to Central America, particularly Guatemala, it is celebrated for its strength, stability, and beautiful natural luster, making it ideal for artisan woodworking and luxury decorative projects.

Its straight to interlocked grain allows Guatemala Rosewood to machine, turn, and sand cleanly, producing a polished surface that highlights its deep, luxurious color. Perfect for pen blanks, knife handles, turned objects, inlays, musical instruments, and fine furniture accents, Guatemala Rosewood combines aesthetic beauty with exceptional functional performance.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Dalbergia tucurensis

Family: Fabaceae

Origin: Central America (Guatemala, Honduras)

Common & Trade Names

Guatemala Rosewood, Central American Rosewood, Dalbergia, Cocobolo (sometimes confused with)

Key Characteristics

Heartwood: reddish-brown to deep purplish-brown with dark streaks

Sapwood: pale, narrow, clearly defined

Fine, interlocked grain

Dense, hard, and durable

Smooth natural luster

Resistant to wear and decay

Workability

Dense and hard; requires sharp tools

Machines, sands, and turns well

Accepts stains, oils, and finishes beautifully

Glues and polishes reliably

Ideal for precision and decorative projects

Health & Safety Note

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

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