Santos Mahogany

Specs

Common Names

Santos Mahogany, Cabreuva

Scientific Name

Myroxylon balsamum

Origin

South America (Brazil, Peru)

Appearance

Santos Mahogany heartwood ranges from reddish-brown to deep burgundy, with darker streaks and sometimes purple or black veins. The wood has a fine to medium texture with interlocked or wavy grain. It exhibits a high natural luster.

Avg. Dried Weight

55-65 lbs/ft3 (880-1040 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

2200 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

20,100 lbf/in2 (139 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

2,090,000 lbf/in2 (14.41 GPa)

Crushing Strength

9,050 lbf/in2 (62.4 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 4.7%, Tangential: 7.5%, Volumetric: 12.6%, T/R Ratio: 1.6

Durability

Rated as very durable; highly resistant to decay, termite attacks, and rot.

Workability

Santos Mahogany wood is moderately difficult to work with both hand and machine tools due to its high density and interlocked grain. It has good nailing and screwing properties, but pre-drilling is recommended. It finishes well and can be polished to a high shine. The wood may blunt cutting edges due to its hardness.