- Species: Derived from Guaiacum Officinale and Guaiacum Sanctum.
- Origin: Native to Caribbean, Northern South America (Venezuela, Guyana, Trinidad, Bahamas).
- Durability: Extremely high – among the hardest and heaviest woods in the world; naturally resistant to decay and marine borers.
- Highlights: Famous for its density, natural oils, and self-lubricating properties; historically used in shipbuilding and precision bearings.
- Form: Sawn lumber, turning blanks, slabs, veneers, and small billets.
- Grade: Premium/select grades only, often limited in size due to small tree growth.
- Moisture: Kiln-dried and air-dried; stable once fully seasoned, typically MC (6 – 12%).
- Dimensions Available: Sawn Lumber / Boards: Thickness: 2.5 cm, 5 cm / Width: 10 cm – 25 cm / Length: 100 cm – 250 cm. Veneer Sheets: Thickness: 0.05 cm – 0.2 cm / Width: 12 cm – 25 cm / Length: 150 cm – 250 cm. Turning Blanks / Blocks: Square Blocks: 5×5×30 cm, 7.5×7.5×30 cm / Pen Blanks: 2×2×15 cm. Slabs: Thickness: 4 cm – 10 cm / Width: 20 cm – 50 cm / Length: 150 cm – 300 cm.
- Janka Hardness: ~4,500 lbf (20,000 N) – one of the hardest commercial woods.
- Grain: Usually interlocked; fine, uniform texture with natural luster; may have occasional wavy patterns.
- Color: Olive-green to brown, darkening to deep brown over time; sometimes with darker streaks.
- Water Resistance: Excellent – naturally oily and highly resistant to moisture and marine organisms.
- Certification: Not CITES-listed; limited sustainable sources available.
- Outdoor Suitability: Excellent – historically used for ship parts, dockwork, and bearings; can handle marine exposure.
- Indoor Suitability: Excellent – ideal for heavy-duty furniture, flooring, and decorative turned objects.
- Estimated Prices: Per Cubic Meter (m3) = ~US $12,000 to $18,000+ / Price per Piece = ~US $80 to $500+ (Depending on Size, quality, due to rarity).
- Use Cases: Heavy-duty furniture, shipbuilding (shafts, propeller bearings, deadeyes), luxury flooring, tool handles, mallets, bowling pins, turnery (pens, bowls), marine hardware, and specialty precision components.
