Blackwood, African

Called Mpingo by tribal Africans, this member of the Rosewood family (Dalbergia melanoxylon) has long been recognized as the world's best tone wood, surpassing the revered "Brazilian Rosewood." African Blackwood is black with violet streaks (when seen up close). At a distance it appears as black as night. This hardwood finishes to an incredibly fine, satiny smooth polish. It is difficult to work and bend, but is superior in turning applications where it is thought to be one of the best woods available for wood turnery. It is very stable in use.