Mexican Royal Ebony (Swartzia spp. (S. cubensis))

Common Names: Katalox, Mexican Royal Ebony

Distribution: Southern Mexico, Central America and Northern South America

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is dark reddish brown to nearly black, sometimes with a strong purple hue. Sapwood is sharply demarcated and is pale yellowish white.

Janka Hardness: 3,660 lb_f

Density: 6.0 lb/b.f.

Shrinkage: 1

Radial (thickness): 3.9%

Tangential (width): 7.6%,

Volumetric (total): 11.2%,

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.9

Allergies/Toxicity: 1 Reported to cause respiratory irritation in some individuals.

Controlled species: CITES: no, IUCN: no

Common Uses: Inlays, fine furniture and cabinetry, parquet flooring, guitars, turnings  and other small specialty items.