Characteristics: This exotic and imported hardwood has been called "rarer than diamonds." It is one of the most rarest species of wood to obtain. This is due to the fact that the trees are so scattered, exploitation would be too costly a process. The wood is uniformly bright pink or pale red. The sapwood is almost white and the pink heartwood, over time, becomes orange to orange-brown in color. The wood is hard, heavy, strong and stiff with a low luster. The grain is straight to irregular and the texture is very fine.

Common Uses: Pink Ivory is used in fancy articles - inlaid work - carvings - accent pieces and turnery.

Working Properties: Pink Ivory is not an easy wood to work with hand tools. Keep tools very sharp and pre-bore for fasteners and you should have no problems. This is an excellent turnery wood and good for carving. It will take an excellent high polish.

Common Name: Pink Ivory

Tree is Native To: Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa and scattered throughout Southern Africa.

Botanical Classification: Berchemia zeyheri

Family: Rhamnaceae

Average Dried Weight: 62 lb/ft.

Average Specific Gravity: .78