Lignum Vitae
Guaiacum officinale • Caribbean, Northern South America
Exotic Hardwood
$$$$
Lignum Vitae (Latin for "wood of life") is the world's densest commercially traded wood. Known for its self-lubricating properties and incredible hardness, it's used for specialty applications like ship bearings, mallet heads, and turned objects.
Janka Hardness
4500
Density
78 lbs/ft³
Moisture
8-10%
Fire Rating
Class A
Durability
Class A - 30+ years
Price Range
$$$$
Appearance
Dark greenish-brown to nearly black
Key Characteristics
- •Densest commercial wood
- •Self-lubricating resin
- •Extremely hard
- •Interlocking grain
- •High natural oil content
- •Sinks in water
Common Applications
- •Ship propeller bearings
- •Mallet heads
- •Turned objects
- •Specialty bearings
- •Police batons
- •Carving
Maintenance Requirements
Very low maintenance. Exceptional durability. Natural oils provide lubrication and protection.
Advantages
- Hardest commercial wood
- Self-lubricating properties
- Exceptional durability
- Unique density
- Natural pest resistance
- Historical significance
Considerations
- Extremely expensive
- Very difficult to work
- CITES Appendix II listed
- Limited availability
- Dulls tools instantly
- Small sizes only