Bolivian Rosewood (Morado)

Bolivian Rosewood is a trade name for Machaerium scleroxylon, also sold as morado, Santos rosewood, or pau ferro — none of which make it a true rosewood in the Dalbergia genus, whatever the marketing implies. Reported Janka hardness ranges from around 1,780 lbf up to roughly 1,960 lbf depending on the source; this article settles on 1,900 as a working estimate.

Working Properties

The wood's natural oils will sabotage your glue-up and finish if you let them — a solvent wipe beforehand solves both problems. Get past that one step and it works reasonably well, rewarding you with a good finish and attractive dark streaking against a warm brown background.

Typical Uses

Fine furniture, musical instrument parts (fingerboards, bridges), knife and tool handles, and turned objects.