Lignum Vitae
Lignum Vitae holds the title of world's hardest commercially available wood, but hardness isn't its most remarkable property — self-lubrication is. The resin content is high enough that blocks and bearings made from it require no external lubricant, which made it the standard material for ship propeller shaft bearings for centuries before synthetics took over. Today it's used for mallets, turned objects, and specialty bearings. Both species are IUCN threatened — prefer reclaimed material, and always require CITES documentation from your supplier.
- Attempting to glue it — the self-lubricating resin prevents any adhesive from bonding
- Buying without CITES documentation — both species are CITES II and threatened
- Expecting to work it with standard hand tools — carbide only, and even carbide dulls fast
Greenish-brown to near-black heartwood, sometimes with yellowish-green tones when freshly cut. Extremely hard to distinguish different pieces visually. Sapwood is pale cream and dramatically contrasting. The resin content gives it a waxy, almost plastic-like surface.
The hardest commercially available wood. Also self-lubricating — the resin content means bearings and blocks made from it require no external lubrication. This combination made it the standard material for ship propeller shaft bearings before synthetic materials. Essentially impossible to work with hand tools; requires sharp carbide and slow, deliberate cuts. The self-lubricating property that makes it useful for bearings also makes gluing nearly impossible.
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Specialty importers only |
| Australia/NZ | Rare / not commonly imported |
| Asia | Specialty importers only |
| Africa | Rare / not commonly imported |