Kingwood
Dalbergia cearensis
Genus: Dalbergia · Family: Fabaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
South America
Avg. Dried Weight
75 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
3,340 lbf
Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Typical Color
Purple
Stability
High
Outdoor Suitability
Good
Workability
Difficult
Availability
Limited
CITES
Appendix I
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •Kingwood is harder than 95% of all species in our database — one of the hardest woods commercially available.
- •At 75 lb/ft³, Kingwood is denser than water and will sink when submerged.
- •Kingwood is listed under CITES, which means international trade is regulated. Always verify legal sourcing and documentation before purchasing.
Janka Hardness Scale
Extremely Hard
Overview
Professional Summary
Kingwood (Dalbergia cearensis) was the wood of choice for French royalty, gracing the furniture of Louis XIV and XV. Its deep violet-brown heartwood with vivid lighter streaks makes it one of the most visually striking Dalbergia species. At 3,340 lbf Janka, it polishes to a brilliant luster rivaling polished stone.
In Plain English
Kingwood was named after the French kings who loved it for their finest furniture. Deep purple-violet with dramatic lighter streaks, it's one of the most beautiful woods in existence. Now extremely rare and heavily restricted under CITES.
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
Historically prized for fine French marquetry and inlay. Today used for luxury pens, turned objects, knife handles, and small decorative pieces.
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 I — commercial international trade effectively banned. Extremely rare and expensive. Very small dimensions only.
Native Distribution
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Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar purple color that are easily confused with Kingwood. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
