Lignum Vitae
Guaiacum officinale
Hardness
Very hard; tough on tools but extremely wear-resistant.
Overview
Among the hardest and densest woods in the world, naturally self-lubricating and historically used for ship propeller-shaft bearings.
Commonly built
- Turned bowls
- Mallet heads
- Bearings & bushings
Appearance
Dark olive-green to nearly black heartwood with a pale yellow sapwood band.
Recommended uses
Uses to avoid
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Extremely dense with natural oils that make it almost self-lubricating; very hard on standard tooling, carbide is a must. Restricted trade in some sources, verify legal sourcing.
Common questions
How hard is Lignum Vitae?
Lignum Vitae has a Janka hardness of 4390 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is Lignum Vitae suitable for outdoor use?
Lignum Vitae stands up reasonably well outdoors, especially with a protective finish and regular maintenance.
How easy is Lignum Vitae to work with?
Lignum Vitae has Difficult workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used lignum vitae, reviewed before they appear here.
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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.