Jatoba has a heartwood that varies from a light orangish brown to a darker reddish brown which tends to darken with exposure to light. The sapwood is a light grayish yellow color. The grain is interlocked and it has a medium to coarse texture. The wood gives off a good natural lustre. The end grain is diffuse-porous. Jatoba is rated as very durable in regards to decay. The wood is difficult to work with on account of its density and hardness. It has a moderated blunting effect on cutters. The wood stains, glues, turns, and finishes well. It also responds well to steam bending.