Thanks all for the comments.
It says bloodwood on the label, from CSUSA, so I'll have to trust them as I don't have any others to compare.
What I found is that is splits easily when drilling and will catch and tear itself apart when working it on the end-grain. This is also typical of many other woods that have very straight grain. I just need to remember these facts and proceed accordingly. I have enough for another 6 pens so it will get used again. I'm also thinking this would be a great contrast wood for segmenting and celtic knots.