Indian Rosewood
Scientific name: Dalbergia latifolia
Overview
Indian Rosewood is one of the most well-known and widely used premium hardwoods in the world, valued for its rich color, striking grain patterns, and excellent working properties. Native to the Indian subcontinent, it is part of the Dalbergia genus, which includes many of the most prized rosewoods globally.
This species is commonly used in fine furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments, and decorative applications due to its combination of beauty, durability, and workability. Indian Rosewood is often considered a more sustainable and accessible alternative to Brazilian Rosewood, which is heavily restricted.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Indian Rosewood (East Indian Rosewood)
- Scientific Name: Dalbergia latifolia
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 60–100 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 50–55 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 2,440 lbf
- Color: Golden brown to deep purplish-brown with darker streaks
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Indian Rosewood is known for its rich brown base color accented by darker streaks that can range from black to deep purple. The contrast between lighter golden areas and darker striping gives it a highly decorative appearance. The grain is typically straight but may be interlocked, producing subtle figure.
Key identification traits include:
- Brown to purplish-brown color
- Dark contrasting streaks
- Smooth, medium texture
- Occasional ribbon figure
- Natural luster
Working Properties
Indian Rosewood is generally easy to work compared to many dense tropical hardwoods, though its density and natural oils can present some challenges.
- Machines well with sharp tools
- Can cause tearout in interlocked grain
- Natural oils may affect gluing
- Turns and finishes exceptionally well
- Polishes to a high natural luster
- Good dimensional stability
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals. Proper dust protection is recommended.
Common Uses
Indian Rosewood is widely used in high-end woodworking and decorative applications due to its beauty and stability.
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Musical instruments (guitars, fingerboards)
- Veneer
- Turned objects
- Decorative panels
- Flooring
Sustainability & Notes
Indian Rosewood is regulated under CITES Appendix II, meaning trade is controlled but still permitted with proper documentation. It is more sustainably available than Brazilian Rosewood but still requires responsible sourcing.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Bubinga – Bubinga is heavier and often features more dramatic figuring, while Indian Rosewood offers a more balanced combination of workability and decorative appeal.
Wenge – Wenge is darker and more coarse in texture, with a more uniform appearance, while Indian Rosewood displays greater color variation and contrast.
Brazilian Rosewood – More dramatic figure and historically prized, but heavily restricted and rare.
Related Guides
Wood Strength and Hardness Guide
Explains how Indian Rosewood balances hardness with workability for fine woodworking.
Wood Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale)
Provides context for its durability and performance in furniture and flooring.
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Helps distinguish Indian Rosewood from other rosewoods and similar species.
Bubinga vs. Rosewood
Explore Bubinga vs. Rosewood to compare these premium hardwoods in color, figure, density, workability, and use in furniture and musical instruments.
Best Woods for Guitar Building
Explore Best Woods for Guitar Building to see how this species can be used in instrument construction and how it compares with other important tonewoods.
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
Indian Rosewood is a staple in any serious wood collection. Its rich color, distinctive streaking, and historical importance in furniture and instrument making make it one of the most recognizable and desirable hardwoods in the Dalbergia genus.
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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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:
• DEWALT 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw for accurate crosscuts, bevels, and angled cuts
https://amzn.to/4tFPVK8
• POWERTEC 71002 Abrasive Cleaning Stick for extending the life of sanding belts and discs by removing buildup
https://amzn.to/421suz2
• BASE CAMP M Plus Reusable Dust Mask for protecting against wood dust during sanding and cutting
https://amzn.to/4cT8Aer
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