Cocobolo

Cocobolo (dalbergia retusa) is an exotic hardwood from South America. Cocobolo is also sometimes referred to as rosewood, but that not a very discriptive term as Rosewood also referes to several other types of tropical hardwood.

Cocobolo is a mid-sized tree, reaching 45 to 60 feet in height in the natural rainforest, with trunk diameters up to 2 feet, usually of irregular form. The poorly formed stems yield the most uniquely figured and highly-prized wood.

Because of its great beauty and high value, Cocobolo has been heavily exploited and is now in danger of extinction outside of national parks and preserves.

One of the true tropical rosewoods, Cocobolo is a very beautiful wood, ranging from a beautiful rich dark brick red, to reddish or dark brown, with a figuring of darker irregular traces weaving through the wood. It is fine textured and oily in look and feel. The wood has excellent working characteristics and the natural oils give the wood a natural luster. Cocobolo is highly durable and strong, but, because of its scarcity and high value, it is used for its rare beauty rather than its strength or durability.

Uses: Only small amounts of this prized wood reach the world market, and usually in pieces of small dimension. Cocobolo is highly favored for fine furniture and cabinetry, fine inlay work, brush backs, knife handles, musical instruments, decorative and figured veneers, bowls, jewelry boxes, and other expensive specialty items. Care must be used when working Cocobolo as it's oils are mildly toxic.