African Rosewood

Scientific name:  Guibourtia coleosperma

Description:  Heartwood ranges from pinkish-red to a darker reddish-brown with darker purple or black streaks.  Sapwood is a pale straw colour and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood.  African Rosewood is frequently seen with a variety of figure including pommele, flamed, waterfall and quilted.

Grain is straight to interlocked.  Has a uniform fine to medium texture and moderate natural lustre.

Working properties:  Easy to work overall, though can have silica present, which can prematurely dull cutting edges.  On pieces with figured or interlocking grain, tearout can occur during planning or other machining operations.  Gluing can occasionally be a problem due to Rosewood’s high density and natural oils.  Turns and finishes well.