Common Name(s): Brazilian rosewood
Scientific Name: Dalbergia nigra
Distribution: Brazil
Tree Size: 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall,
3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 52 lbs/ft3 (835 kg/m3)
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .68, .84
Janka Hardness: 2,790 lbf (12,410 N)
Modulus of Rupture: 19,570 lbf/in2 (135.0 MPa)
Elastic Modulus: 2,020,000 lbf/in2 (13.93 GPa)
Crushing Strength: 9,740 lbf/in2 (67.2 MPa)
Shrinkage: Radial: 2.9%, Tangential: 4.6%,
Volumetric: 8.5%, T/R Ratio: 1.6
Color/Appearance: Brazilian rosewood can vary in color from a darker chocolate brown to a lighter purplish or reddish brown, with darker contrasting streaks. The black streaks can sometimes form a unique grain pattern that is sometimes referred to as “spider-webbing” or “landscape,” very similar to ziricote. Lighter yellowish sapwood is clearly demarcated from the heartwood.
Grain/Texture: Brazilian rosewood has a uniform, medium to coarse texture with medium-sized open pores. The grain tends to be straight, but can occasionally be interlocked, spiraled, or wavy.
Rot Resistance: Heartwood is rated as very durable to decay resistance, and is also resistant to insect attack.
Workability: Easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it may have a slight blunting effect on cutting edges. Brazilian rosewood turns, and finishes well, though it can sometimes be difficult to glue due to its high natural oil content.
Odor: Has a distinct, rose-like scent when being worked.
Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Brazilian rosewood has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
