Cocobolo
Dalbergia retusa
Genus: Dalbergia · Family: Fabaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
Central America
Avg. Dried Weight
69 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
2,960 lbf
Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Typical Color
Orange
Stability
Very High
Outdoor Suitability
Excellent
Workability
Moderate
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Appendix II
IUCN
Vulnerable
Did You Know?
- •Cocobolo is harder than 92% of all species in our database — one of the hardest woods commercially available.
- •At 69 lb/ft³, Cocobolo is denser than water and will sink when submerged.
- •Cocobolo is one of the few species rated both "Very Durable" for decay resistance and "Excellent" for outdoor use — ideal for ground-contact and marine applications.
Janka Hardness Scale
Very Hard
Overview
Professional Summary
Cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa) is one of the world's most beautiful and coveted turning woods. Its kaleidoscopic color palette — ranging from orange, red, and yellow to deep brown with irregular black streaks — is virtually unmatched. With a Janka hardness of 2,960 lbf, exceptional stability, and natural oils that create a self-polishing surface, it's the holy grail of pen turners and knife makers.
In Plain English
Cocobolo might be the most colorful wood in the world — vivid oranges, reds, yellows, and dark streaks all in one piece. It's hard, dense, and polishes to an incredible natural shine. Beloved by pen turners and knife makers, but it's expensive and increasingly hard to find legally.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
A premier choice for turned pens, knife handles, pistol grips, musical instruments, and fine decorative objects.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
CITES Appendix II regulated. Natural oils cause severe allergic reactions in many workers — one of the most sensitizing woods. Always use proper PPE. Oils can prevent glue adhesion.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
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Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar orange color that are easily confused with Cocobolo. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
