Wood Identification ?

[mnerland]

Just wondering if anyone might be able to ID this wood. I received it from a retired Marine almost 20 years ago. I believe he said he got it from Panama.
He didn't know what it was at the time. It is the hardest and heaviest wood I have ever had in my hands. Gonna be a challenge to just cut it. Has some very nice grain to it. Any ideas?

 

[egnald]

That's a tough one. There are a few dark brown hard and heavy woods from Central America.

From the first photo it looks like it could almost be Cocobolo (69 lbs. per cubic foot - Janka 2960).
From the second photo it looks like Katalox to me (72 lbs. per cubic foot - Janka 3,660 ).
The other one that I have seen is called Cocuswood (72 lbs. per cubic foot - janka 3,720)

Considering the almost purplish color on the end grain photo I think it is likely Katalox.

Regards,
Dave

 

[maxwell_smart007]

Any smell to the wood? Most rosewoods have a distinctive aroma.

 

[greenacres2]

Looks to be in the rosewood family. Has a bit of Brazilian look to it, though no way to tell from here.
Earl

 

[leehljp]

The different slight color differences between grains suggests Brazilian Rosewood or other Rosewood. Regardless, that is a VERY valuable piece of wood because of its size.

At first, I thought of SE Asian persimmon:

 

[mnerland]

The different slight color differences between grains suggests Brazilian Rosewood or other Rosewood. Regardless, that is a VERY valuable piece of wood because of its size.

At first, I thought of SE Asian persimmon:

Wow, that looks very close to what I have. The idea that it came from Panama just might be a mistake. Thanks for the reply.

 

[mnerland]

Any smell to the wood? Most rosewoods have a distinctive aroma.

No significant odor, however, I have not attempted to cut it yet. Thanks for the reply.

 

[mnerland]

That's a tough one. There are a few dark brown hard and heavy woods from Central America.

From the first photo it looks like it could almost be Cocobolo (69 lbs. per cubic foot - Janka 2960).
From the second photo it looks like Katalox to me (72 lbs. per cubic foot - Janka 3,660 ).
The other one that I have seen is called Cocuswood (72 lbs. per cubic foot - janka 3,720)

Considering the almost purplish color on the end grain photo I think it is likely Katalox.

Regards,
Dave

Thanks Dave, I will look these up and possibly find a match. Thanks so much.

 

[sbwertz]

Possibly Texas Ebony? It grows as far south as the Yucatan.

 

[mnerland]

Possibly Texas Ebony? It grows as far south as the Yucatan.

Thanks for the reply! I'm really thinking that it is Katalox after doing some more research. The Texas Ebony looks very similar as well. Thanks again.