Snakewood
Brosimum guianense
Genus: Brosimum · Family: Moraceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
South America
Avg. Dried Weight
76 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
3,800 lbf
Decay Resistance
Durable
Typical Color
Red
Stability
Medium
Outdoor Suitability
Fair
Workability
Very Difficult
Availability
Limited
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •Snakewood is harder than 99% of all species in our database — one of the hardest woods commercially available.
- •At 76 lb/ft³, Snakewood is denser than water and will sink when submerged.
- •Snakewood has a severe blunting effect on cutting tools — expect to resharpen or replace blades frequently. Carbide-tipped tooling is strongly recommended.
Janka Hardness Scale
Extremely Hard
Overview
Professional Summary
Snakewood (Brosimum guianense) is among the rarest, most expensive, and hardest woods in the world. With a Janka hardness of 3,800 lbf, it's prized for its extraordinary snakeskin-like pattern of dark reddish-brown blotches and markings. Available only in small billets, it commands prices of $100+/board foot.
In Plain English
Snakewood is one of the rarest and most expensive woods on Earth — named for its incredible snakeskin-like pattern. It's extremely hard, extremely heavy, and only available in small pieces. Used for luxury items like bow-making, fine pens, and collector pieces.
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
Premium choice for violin bows, luxury pens, knife handles, walking canes, and fine collector 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.
Extremely expensive ($100-200+/bf). Only available in small dimensions. Severe blunting of tools. Difficult to work in every regard.
Native Distribution
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Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar red color that are easily confused with Snakewood. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
