Solomon Blackwood
Scientific Name: Xanthostemon melanoxylon. Family: Myrtacea
Common Names: Tubi, Pacific Blackwood, Solomon Blackwood, Ivory Wood, Queen Ebony
Distribution: Solomon Islands, Papua New Guena
Janka Hardness: 4370
Color: Dark brown to black in color with brown strips
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices but is on the IUCN Red List. It is listed as vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the past three generations, caused by a decline in its natural range, and exploitation.
Common Uses: musical instruments, Clarinet makers, wood turners, used as stern tube bearings for boats and ships in the Solomon Islands and other small specialty items.
The African Blackwood (Dalbergia Melanoxylon) is the closest timber species comparison to Solomon blackwood, it has very similar properties, density, uses and drying schedule. The trees also grows in same environment and have similar resemblance in appearance and growth structure.
It is an oily wood or self-lubricating wood (for stern tubes bearings) which offers great stability.It is possible to veneer Solomon Blackwood, it is a very stable timber, bends well @ 2.5mm, so suitable for sides of acoustic guitars, has a beautiful tone and glues well.