BRAZILIAN ROSEWOOD
Family: Leguminosae

Commercial Names:
Bahia rosewood, Rio rosewood (UK).

Distribution:
Brazil.

General Description:
The grain is mostly straight, sometimes wavy and the texture rather coarse. It is oily and gritty to the touch.

Color:
Varies from chocolate or violet-brown to violet streaked with black, often with variegated streaks of golden brown.

Weight:
Average 850 kg/m3 (53 lb/ft3).

Specific Gravity:
.85.

Mechanical Properties:
•  Bending strength – High
•  Crushing strength – High
•  Stiffness – Low
•  Steam bending classification – Very good

Seasoning:
It air dries slowly with a tendency to check, but kilning shows little degrade. There is small movement in service.

Working properties:
There is a severe blunting effect on cutting edges and tends to be difficult to work. Requires pre-boring for nailing; gluing can be troublesome and the oiliness can also make high polishing difficult. However, with care, a beautiful smooth finish can be obtained.

Durability:
Very durable, the heartwood resists biodegradation.

Uses:
•  Both solid and veneer, highest quality furniture and cabinetmaking
•  Piano cases
•  Shop and bank fitting
•  Superior joinery
•  Parquet flooring