Amboyna Burl Wood

Amboyna wood (Pterocarpus indicus) is typically perceived as one of the more exotic species of wood.  Originally from Southern Asia, this wood is in relatively short supply.  It is sometimes referred to as Kiabooca, Narra or Angsana, but usually outside of North America.

Amboyna Burl often has a curly and mottled grain pattern for which it is prized.  It can be purchased from a variety of licensed importers, but is relatively expensive compared to other wood.  It is priced at $200 - $300 per board foot (one board foot is measured as 12 inches x 1 inch x 1 inch).

With its heartwood ranging from a deep golden-yellow to its prized dark, reddish color, Amboyna is eagerly sought after.  The sapwood of Amboyna is often a light blond and it is very common to find Amboyna mixed with varying colors of the blond sapwood.  This gives the wood a mottled, wavy appearance which can be quite striking.  As with many woods, the colors tend to darken slightly over time.

It is a hard, heavy and dense wood (specific gravity around .67) that generally turns and carves well.  This makes it a desirable wood for craftsman, especially those who use veneers and inlays to accent furniture.  When worked, it has a distinctively strong aromatic smell, reminiscent of cedar, but more pungent.

When making handmade pens, care must be taken to ensure that the wood is stable and does not tear out, since the grain is quite swirly.  Often, there are small voids that must be dealt with as Amboyna Burl has inclusions and dark accents in the wood which give it special character.  Amboyna takes a finish nicely, and can be either friction polished or with a separate finish.