Black Bead
Scientific name: Pithecellobium keyense
Overview
Black Bead is a dense Caribbean hardwood found in coastal regions and dry forests. It is valued for its strength and durability despite its smaller size, making it useful for a variety of practical applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Black Bead
- Scientific Name: Pithecellobium keyense
- Region: Caribbean & West Indies Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 20–30 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 55 lbs/ft³ (880 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,000 lbf
- Color: Dark brown to nearly black
- Grain: Interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Black Bead is known for its dark coloration and dense structure. It often appears heavier than most regional hardwoods and has a fine to medium texture.
Key identification traits include:
- Dark brown to nearly black coloration
- Interlocked grain
- Fine to medium texture
- Dense and heavy feel
Working Properties
Black Bead can be difficult to work due to its density, but it produces good results with proper tools and preparation.
- Moderately difficult to machine
- High tool wear
- Tearout possible with interlocked grain
- Finishes well when properly prepared
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection.
Common Uses
Black Bead is used in smaller applications where strength and durability are important.
- Tool handles
- Turned objects
- Small specialty items
Sustainability & Notes
This species is not widely exported and is primarily used locally throughout the Caribbean region.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Lignum Vitae – A much heavier and more durable benchmark species used for extreme applications.
Sabicu – A dense hardwood used for structural and heavy-duty work.
Ironwood – Another regional hardwood known for its strength and durability.
Related Guides
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods – Explains challenges when working with dense hardwoods.
Preventing Tear-Out in Interlocked Grain – Covers techniques for handling difficult grain patterns.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species – Helps determine the best finishing approach.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Black Bead is an excellent collector species due to its density and dark coloration, making it useful for comparison with other heavy hardwoods.
Share Your Photos of This Species
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When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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