Santos Mahogany exhibits a medium range of color variation between a light orangey brown with yellowish overtones to a dark reddish purplish brown. Most of the specie falls into the medium to dark orange brown mahogany tone.

BOTANICAL NAME: 

Myroxylon Balsamum

ORIGIN: 

South America - Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Costa Rica, Panama, Bolivia, Ecuador, Paraguay

COMMON NAMES: 

Santos Mahogany, Cabreuva Vermelha, Red Incensio, Quina Estoraque, Nava, Balsamo, Cabriziva, Cedro Chino, Chirraca, Estoraque, Incienso, Nabal, Palo de balsamo, Sandalo, Tache, Tolu. 

JANKA HARDNESS:

2200

DIMENSIONAL STABILITY:

Above Average - Change Coefficient .00238 - 36% more stable than Northern Red Oak.

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE: 

Information currently unavailable.

INTERESTING FACTS: 

Santos Mahogany hardwood flooring is a rare sight in homes today. It is for those who seek high quality exotic hardwoods. Santos mahogany is thought to offer the highest hardness rating around the word. Wood is rated by a numbering system. Santos mahogany is rated at a 2200, while red oak has a score of 1260.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: 

Santos Mahogany is known for its strength and beauty and it’s outstanding durability. The very fine and even texture of this well-known and popular hardwood along with its striped figuring complements the attractive dark reddish brown color of mahogany wood flooring. The white sapwood is sharply demarcated from the heartwood. The grain of mahogany is typically interlocked, and the surface can have a medium to high luster.

COLOR CHANGE: 

Santos Mahogany undergoes a slight degree of color change with a slight muting of the color range over time.

MAIN USES: 

Flooring, Furniture, Interior trim, Turnery, Railroad ties, Building materials.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:

Fairly uniform to striped sharply demarcated from the white sapwood. Luster medium to high, texture medium, grain is typically interlocked, without distinctive taste but may have a pleasant spicy scent. The heartwood is reported to be highly resistant to attack by decay fungi.

WORKING PROPERTIES:

Santos Mahogany is reported to be moderately difficult to work but can be finished smoothly with a high natural polish. Though non-siliceous, there is more than the usual dulling of cutters.