Rosewoods

Rosewoods are prized for deep color, dramatic figure and a natural oiliness that polishes to a glassy shine. This group covers the true rosewoods of the genus Dalbergia, such as cocobolo, East Indian rosewood and Honduran rosewood, plus the well-known trade rosewoods that come from related trees: pau ferro (sometimes sold as Bolivian rosewood), bubinga (often called African rosewood) and ovangkol, a bubinga relative used as a rosewood stand-in for guitars. These are dense, heavy woods that turn and finish beautifully and show up in guitars, knife handles, pool cues and fine boxes. Two cautions apply to the whole group. Many are CITES-listed, so buy from sellers who can document the source. And rosewood dust is a well-known skin and breathing irritant, with allergies that tend to build over time. Read each species page for hardness, safety notes and current availability in our Fort Myers shop.