Let’s check out some of the highly sought Exotic woods in the world..
Pink Ivory
Pink Ivories are said to be rarer than diamonds. Found in the areas of South Africa and Zimbabwe, this pink wood is rare and expensive. The best among them is identified by the measure of its vibrant pink color itself. High resistance against rot and insects as well as they have less wear and tear with climatic changes. Even though Pink Ivory woods can turn into a perfectly finished product, it can cause a blunting effect on machines due to the high density and stiffness of the wood.
African Blackwood
This African species is considered to be the true Ebony. They are among the hardest, strongest Exotic hard woods in the world. Due to overexploitation and the slow growth rate of the wood, these trees are hard to find in the market. Also, they are best in their league with qualities such as high density, straight grain structure, natural luster, and high finishing. These species are in almost all red lists that protect endangered species. Hence wood cutting importing/exporting etc are restricted. There are all the factors by which African Blackwood has become so expensive.
Agar Wood
The oil extracted from the trunk and roots of the tree is considered to be more valuable than gold! They are highly sought after in the international cosmetics and medicine market. The scent extracted from the Agarwood is very famous due to its unique woods qualities. They can last on your body more than 24 hours with an exotic fragrance. Agarwood oil, perfume, and cosmetics made from their essence have a huge fan base among celebrities around the world. It takes at least 6-8 years for a tree to produce the oil. And agarwood only grows in certain countries like Thailand. The popularity in the market made this wood a favorite choice for illegal woodcutting and hence, the wood is facing extinction. These are all some of the reasons for the high price of the wood.
Bubinga
These African woods are imported as a replacement for the famous and rare Rosewood. They are well known for their high density, strength, resistance to rot and insects, etc. The color varies from pink-red to reddish-brown. Bubinga woods are mainly used for making premium furniture, cabinetry, customized wood items, etc.
Sandalwood
Unique woods fragrance of Sandalwood can remain for decades! All of the tree parts of Sandalwood are commercially valuable. There is a strong demand for sandalwood in the cosmetic market for making soaps, oils, powder, perfumes, etc. And the heartwood of Sandalwood is ideal for making furniture that can last for a very long time. These trees have special consideration in the endangered species list due to the popularity. It is illegal to produce these woods without special permits and sanctions in some countries like India. The decrease in cultivation and increase in usage is another reason for the market value of this wood.
Purpleheart Wood
When this wood is freshly cut, it shows a purple color, which then gets darken with sunlight exposure. It usually has a straight grain structure and has a natural luster with fine texture. The Purple Heart is a durable Exotic wood with good resistance to rot and insect attacks. The close grain structure of the wood makes it even water-resistant. Purplehearts are very hard and strong that it's nearly unbreakable in normal situations. Also, they are very stable, sustainable, and extremely dense. The exotic strength, color, and availability of the wood make it one of the costly wood in the market.
Lignum Vitae
This wood is considered to be the hardest and strongest wood in the world. Even the parts of the first nuclear submarine had parts from Lignum Vitae. The natural oil produced by the wood is a good lubricant that can avoid machine wear and tear. This extremely hard, strong, and stable wood was once the first preference for all heavy woodworks. It has a greenish-brown color that slowly gets darker with time. Lignum vitae is exceptionally good for making turned wood crafts. Due to the wide usage, this wood is now facing extinction and is put under CITES Appendix II and IUCN red list.
Bocote
This wood is said to be the most expensive wood in the world. Bocote woods are very attractive with its zebra-strip like contrasts. The strength and hardness of this wood are often measured with a comparison to hard maple wood. Bocote wood is a perfect combination of beauty, hardness, density, stability, and workability. Gluing of the wood is not an issue even with the presence of natural oil content. They turn and finish well with fine texture and luster. Bocote woods are used in furniture, flooring, boat making, musical instruments, etc.
Ebony
Ebonies are extremely dense that, this wood can sink in water while the rest of the woods float. The dark rich chocolate color with dark hues makes this wood aesthetically appealing. They are extremely durable and can handle wear and tear in hard conditions quite smoothly. It has a straight grain structure with even texture and good natural luster. This high-density wood is quite hard to work with. Gaboon ebonies are expensive than many species of Rosewood. Due to the huge population reduction, this wood is listed in CITES Appendix II and the IUCN red list.
Dalbergia
Dalbergia wood types are used in furniture making as well as their oil is used in the cosmetic market. They are tough, hard, and strong. Usually comes with straight grain structure and even texture, this wood is durable and aesthetically appealing. Adding to the beauty and hardness, this wood produces a strong fragrance like sandalwood. They are best valued in sports goods, cosmetics, furniture markets, etc. It’s difficult to work with this wood due to the high density. Due to the vast exploitation faced, this wood species is listed in CITES Appendix II and the IUCN red list. All these factors make this hardwood supplier one of the most expensive in the whole world.
