The Ironwood Family

black-ironwoodBlack Ironwood

Scientific Name: Krugiodendron ferreum
Location: Southern Florida, Caribbean, and Central America
Dried Weight: 81lbs/ft3
Janka Hardness: 3,660lbf
Crushing Strength: not available

Black Ironwood has a heartwood that ranges from a red, orange, violet, and brown colors. The sapwood is usually a pale yellowish white color. The grain is straight and even and it has a very fine texture. The wood gives off a high natural lustre. The end grain is diffuse-porous. Black Ironwood is rated as very durable in regards to decay. It has a high cutting resistance and is difficult to work with because of its high density. The wood turns and finishes well.

 

desert-ironwoodDesert Ironwood

Scientific Name: Olneya tesota
Location: Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico
Dried Weight: 75lbs/ft3
Janka Hardness: 3,260lbf
Crushing Strength: not available

Desert Ironwood has a heartwood that ranges from orangish yellow to a darker red or brown. The narrow sapwood is a yellow color. The grain is wild or gnarled and it has a fine even texture. The wood gives off an excellent natural lustre. The end grain is diffuse-porous or semi-ring-porous. The wood is very difficult to work with because of its high density and high cutting resistance. It turns, polishes, and finishes well.