ENCYCLOPEDIA OF WOOD

GONCALO ALVES

(H)

Botanical name: Astronium qraveolene Beautiful, durable and strong, goncalo alves sometimes bears a resemblance to both rosewood and Macassar ebony. It is used for fine applications like knife handles, billiard cue butts, brush backs, and dampers in grand pianos. Because the tree has become an endangered species, goncalo alves is difficult to find in North America. It is available primarily in veneers.

Other Name: Tigerwood Source: Brazil.

Characteristics: Dense, very heavy wood; irregular, interlocked grain; medium texture; reddish-brown marbled with black streaks; large variations in color and grain.

Uses: Fine furniture, cabinetmaking, turning and veneers.

Workability: Difficult; blunts cutting edges moderately to severely; pre-bore for nailing.

Finishing: Accepts finishes well.

Weight: 59 Ib./cu. ft.

Price: Expensive.