Surinam Ironwood

Surinam Ironwood is an exceptionally dense and durable tropical hardwood prized for its deep reddish-brown to nearly black coloration, fine texture, and remarkable strength. Sourced from northern South America, this rare species is renowned for its extreme hardness, natural luster, and outstanding wear resistance, making it ideal for heirloom-quality projects and high-performance applications.

With its tight grain and impressive stability, Surinam Ironwood turns beautifully and finishes to a glass-smooth surface, revealing rich depth and subtle figure. Its weight and durability make it a top-tier choice for knife handles, tool handles, precision turnings, musical instrument parts, luxury accents, and fine custom work where longevity and visual impact are paramount.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Humiria balsamifera

Family: Humiriaceae

Origin: Northern South America (Suriname, Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana)

Common & Trade Names

Surinam Ironwood, Guyana Ironwood, Balsamwood (regional), Bois de Fer (French trade)

Workability & Characteristics

Extremely hard and heavy

Fine, uniform texture

High natural polish

Excellent dimensional stability

Very durable and wear resistant

Difficult to machine due to density (sharp tools required)

Health & Safety Note

Dust from Surinam Ironwood may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Due to its density, machining can produce fine particulate—use sharp tooling, dust extraction, and proper respiratory protection.

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