Pink Ivory
Scientific name: Berchemia zeyheri
Overview
Pink Ivory is one of the rarest and most visually striking hardwoods in the world, known for its vibrant pink to reddish-purple coloration. Native to southern Africa, this wood has historically been reserved for royalty, particularly among the Zulu people, where it was considered a symbol of status and power.
Extremely dense and fine-textured, Pink Ivory is prized for small, high-end applications such as turning, inlays, and luxury items. Its rarity, slow growth, and limited availability make it highly sought after by collectors and specialty woodworkers.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Pink Ivory
- Scientific Name: Berchemia zeyheri
- Region: African Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 30–50 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 67–70 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 3,230 lbf
- Color: Bright pink when freshly cut, deepening to reddish purple over time
- Grain: Fine, typically straight
- Texture: Very fine and uniform
- Natural Luster: High
Identification Characteristics
Pink Ivory is easily recognized by its unique coloration, which ranges from soft pink to deep reddish-purple depending on age and exposure. The wood darkens with time, especially when exposed to light, developing a richer and more subdued tone.
Grain is typically straight with a very fine and even texture, giving it a smooth, almost polished appearance even before finishing. Due to its density, surfaces can appear almost glass-like when properly worked.
Key identification traits include:
- Distinct pink to reddish-purple color
- Extremely fine, smooth texture
- High natural luster
- Uniform grain with minimal figure
- Darkens with age and UV exposure
Working Properties
Pink Ivory is a very dense hardwood that machines well but requires sharp tools and patience. Its hardness can make cutting and shaping more demanding, but it responds well to fine sanding and polishing.
It turns exceptionally well, making it a favorite for small decorative objects. Gluing is generally reliable, though pre-drilling is recommended for fasteners due to its density.
- Machines cleanly with sharp tools
- Excellent for turning and fine detail work
- Sands to a very smooth finish
- Pre-drilling recommended for screws
- Takes polish extremely well
Safety Note
Pink Ivory is not commonly associated with severe toxicity, but as with most exotic hardwoods, dust can cause irritation. Proper dust collection and personal protective equipment are recommended when working with this species.
Common Uses
Pink Ivory is typically reserved for small, high-value applications due to its rarity and cost.
- Knife handles
- Fine inlays
- Turned objects
- Musical instrument accents
- Jewelry and decorative items
- Luxury small crafts
Sustainability & Notes
Pink Ivory is not widely available and is considered a limited resource due to slow growth and restricted harvesting. In some regions, it has historically been protected and culturally significant, particularly in southern Africa.
Responsible sourcing is important, and availability is typically limited to small pieces or specialty suppliers.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
African Padauk is another vividly colored hardwood, offering a bright reddish-orange tone, though it is more common and less dense than Pink Ivory.
Bubinga provides rich reddish hues with more figure and larger board availability, making it more practical for furniture while lacking the distinct pink coloration.
African Blackwood is significantly darker and denser, often used in precision applications like musical instruments, offering a contrast in color but similarity in value and rarity.
Related Guides
Understanding Wood Strength: What Makes Wood Strong?
Learn how density and internal structure contribute to the strength and durability of hardwoods like Pink Ivory.
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Understand how grain structure and texture can help distinguish Pink Ivory from other fine-textured hardwoods.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Explore how Pink Ivory ranks among the world’s hardest woods and what that means for real-world use.
Best Woods for Wood Turning
Explore Best Woods for Wood Turning to see how this species compares with other hardwoods for bowls, vessels, pens, handles, and decorative turned projects.
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
Pink Ivory is considered a premium collector species due to its rarity, color, and historical significance. High-quality pieces with vibrant color are especially valued, particularly when freshly cut or well-preserved from light exposure.
Collectors often seek small, dense blocks or turning blanks with strong coloration. Because the wood darkens over time, pieces that retain a brighter pink tone can command higher interest.
Video Overview
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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:
• RUITOOL Japanese Double Edge Ryoba Pull Saw for precise flush cuts, joinery, and detailed woodworking
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• 800W Compact Wood Router Tool Kit with 15-Piece Router Bit Set for trimming, edge work, and shaping wood surfaces
https://amzn.to/498gKP4
• IRWIN Quick-Grip One-Handed Mini Bar Clamps for holding woodworking pieces securely during assembly and glue-ups
https://amzn.to/4wvTvsl
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