Name |
Kingwood (Dalbergia cearensis) |
Type |
Hardwood. |
Other Names |
Also known as violete, violetta, and violet wood. |
Sources |
Grows in Brazil. |
Appearance |
Straight to finely roey grained with a fine, uniform texture, and bright luster. Rich, violet-brown heartwood streaked with golden yellow lines of varying darkness. Cream-colored sapwood. |
Physical Props |
Very heavy, hard, strong and brittle with good decay resistance and stability in use. |
Working Props |
Works well (with sharp tools!) and pre-drilling required for screwing or nailing. Care needed in gluing due to waxy surface. Finishes to an exceptionally smooth, naturally waxy finish and develops a metallic sheen over time. In great demand for restoration and reproduction of antique furniture. |
Uses |
Small size of tree and scarcity of supply generally restricts most uses to inlays, marquetry, turned articles, and sculpture. |