Indian Rosewood
Indian Rosewood is one of the most important furniture and instrument-making woods from South Asia — extremely hard, beautifully figured, and unmistakable in color. Like all rosewoods, it falls under CITES Appendix II, meaning any international trade requires export permits and proper documentation. Plantation-grown material from India is fairly available, but always verify legal sourcing before purchasing. The dust causes sensitization reactions — work with full respiratory protection.
- Skipping CITES documentation — all Dalbergia species require permits for international trade; ignorance is not a legal defense
- Gluing oily surfaces without solvent wipe-down first
- Working without respiratory protection — Dalbergia dust causes sensitization that gets worse with each exposure
Deep purple-brown to dark reddish-brown with distinctive near-black streaks. Rich, complex heartwood color. Sapwood is pale yellowish-tan and sharply distinct from the dark heartwood.
Very hard — requires sharp carbide tools. Interlocked grain causes tearout risk when planing. High oil content complicates gluing and water-based finishes. Takes an excellent natural polish; the wood can often be buffed to a near-glassy finish with minimal finishing.
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| United States | Specialty importers only |
| Canada | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| Australia | Specialty importers only |