COMMON NAMES:   Honduras rosewood

SPECIFIC GRAVITY:   .96

DENSITY:  60 lbs./cu.ft.

TANGENTIAL MOVEMENT:

RADIAL MOVEMENT:

VOLUMETRIC SHRINKAGE:

DURABILITY1:   Very Good

SOURCE:  Belize -- between the Sarstoon and Monkey Rivers

DESCRIPTION:   Heartwood is shades of reddish to purple-brown with alternating dark markings. Sapwood is yellow. Straight to slightly wavy grain. Medium to fine texture. Low lustre. Tougher than Brazilian rosewood, but not used when strength is important. Heaviness prevents bendability. Blunting effect on cutting edges is moderate. Turnery useage is excellent. Necessary to pre-bore nails. Gluing may difficult due to oil in wood, and does not provide a naturally high finish. Used for musical instruments such as guitars, harps, pianos, furniture, picture frames, billiard tables, and doors.

1 Durability refers to a wood's resistance to rotting in wet environments.