Bolivian rosewood

Bolivian rosewood - Machaerium, sclieroxyl
Other Names:
Morado, Moradillo, Santos Palisander

Species Distribution:
Bolivia & Brazil

Description:
Bolivian Rosewood is a beautiful, rosewood like wood with black striping on top of a dark brown background.

Color Range:
Bolivian Rosewood offers a wide range of colors from medium to light browns through to almost black brown purplish tones, on top of which there is frequent black striping.
Color Change:
Bolivian Rosewood undergoes a substantial degree of color change as the wood lightens over time and more so in direct sunlight from the darker brown tones to lighter gold/tan tones with a muting the fresh milled color variation.

Finish Issues:
(for site sanding/finishing only) - Bolivian Rosewood is known to have adverse reactions when certain oil based finishes are used with this wood. Many oil finishes will not dry properly. In general, most water based finishes work with Bolivian Rosewood. ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.

Safety/Allergic Reaction Issues:
Bolivian Rosewood is well known to cause both contact dermatitis respiratory reactions when coming into contact with the dust. Extreme care must be taken when cutting or sanding this wood. Also, wood dust in general can be a hazard.