Dalbergia Cearensis
Description:
The heartwood displays a variety of colors, with a rich violet-brown as a background. It can shade almost to black, with streaks of dark violet, violet-brown and black, and sometimes of yellow also. The heartwood has a bright lustre, a very uniform texture and a smooth surface. The strongly differentiated sapwood is almost white, but the wood is invariably exported with the sapwood removed.
Typical dry weight: 75 lb/ft³ (1200 kg/m³)
Specific gravity: 1.2
Properties:
Kingwood is extremely dense and heavy. The wood is tough and strong in all categories, but it is principally reserved for decorative uses, since only small sizes are available. Because of its density and waxy properties, it can be brought to a high degree of finish. It holds nails and screws well, but does need pre-boring. Gluing requires some care. Kingwood works well with both hand and machine tools, but does have a moderate dulling effect on cutters.
Seasoning:
It can split when being air-dried, if care is not taken. It will kiln-dry well without degrade, and is stable in use.
Durability:
Kingwood is durable and extremely resistant to preservative treatment.
Typical Uses:
In antique restoration, as bois violet, having been much used in Louis XIV, Louis XV and Georgian furniture. Also used as sliced veneer for marquetry, inlays and oyster veneering. Prized for decorative turnery, inlay bandings, and small decorative items.
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