| Name | Lignumvitae (Guaiacum spp.) |
| Type | Hardwood. |
| Other Names | Also known as guayacan, palo santo, and ironwood. |
| Sources | Composed of three species that grow in Central and South America. |
| Appearance | Closely interlocked grain with a fine, uniform texture. Dark greenish brown to nearly black heartwood and yellowish sapwood. Naturally oily with a low luster. |
| Physical Props | Very hard, strong, heavy, stiff, shock resistant, and decay resistant. Not suitable for steam bending. |
| Working Props | Very difficult to work by machine or by hand. Turns very well but natural resins clog sandpaper and make gluing difficult. Polishes easily and often requires no additional finishing. |
| Uses | Ideal for underwater use due to self-lubricating properties. Used for ship propeller bushings and bearings, mallets, rollers, casters, small wheels, pulleys, stencil and chisel blocks, handles, and miscellaneous turned items. |
| Comments | Probably the strongest and densest wood on the market. |
