Snakewood (Piratinera guianensis)

Snakewood

Piratinera guianensis

Trade Name: Snakewood

Botanical Name: Piratinera guianensis

Common Names: Letterwood, Leopardwood, Speckled Wood, Amourette, Bois Serpent, Schlangenholz, Legno Serpente, Palo Serpiente, スネークウッド, 蛇紋木.

Growing Areas and Distribution:

Snakewood thrives in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly in Suriname, Guyana, Brazil, French Guiana, and Venezuela. It favors the humid, nutrient-rich soils of these regions.

Tree Size:

  • Height: Typically reaches 60-100 feet (18-30 meters) tall.

  • Diameter: The trunk diameter can range from 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters).

Physical Properties:

  • Average Dried Weight: 73 lbs/ft³ (1,170 kg/m³) - Exceptionally dense and heavy

  • Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): 1.20 - 1.35 - Significantly denser than water, meaning it sinks!

  • Janka Hardness: 3,800 lbf (16,900 N) - One of the hardest commercially available woods.

  • Modulus of Rupture: 22,900 psi (158 MPa) - High bending strength

  • Elastic Modulus: 2,520,000 psi (17.4 GPa) - High stiffness

  • Crushing Strength: 11,800 psi (81.4 MPa) - Excellent resistance to compression

  • Shrinkage: Relatively high shrinkage, careful drying is essential to prevent warping or cracking.

Appearance and Working Properties:

  • Color/Appearance: The heartwood is renowned for its striking reddish-brown color with a network of dark brown or black markings that create a snakeskin-like pattern. The sapwood is pale yellow and clearly distinct.

  • Grain/Texture: Fine and even texture with a natural luster. The grain is usually straight but can occasionally be irregular.

  • Rot Resistance: Rated as very durable; highly resistant to decay and insect attack

  • Workability: Despite its hardness, Snakewood is generally easy to work with sharp tools. It takes a beautiful polish.

  • Odor: No characteristic odor

  • Allergies/Toxicity: Some individuals may experience skin irritation or respiratory issues when working with Snakewood dust. Proper safety precautions are recommended.

Uses and Applications:

  • Musical Instruments: Violin bows, guitar fretboards, clarinet mouthpieces, other stringed and woodwind instruments

  • Fine Woodworking & Turning: Pens, bowls, jewelry, knife handles, decorative objects, small boxes

  • Inlays & Marquetry: Decorative accents in furniture and cabinetry

  • Other Uses: Pool cues, walking sticks, tool handles

Pricing/Availability:

  • Pricing: Snakewood is considered a premium and expensive wood due to its rarity and desirable properties. Prices can fluctuate depending on quality, dimensions, and availability.

  • Availability: Limited availability due to slow growth and sustainable harvesting practices.

Sustainability:

At Exotic Wood Source, we are committed to responsible forestry practices and prioritize sustainably sourced Snakewood. We work closely with suppliers who adhere to strict environmental guidelines to ensure the long-term health of the rainforest ecosystem.

Comments:

Snakewood's unique beauty, exceptional hardness, and tonal qualities make it a truly remarkable and coveted material. However, its rarity and high price point mean it's typically used for smaller, high-value projects. Proper care and handling are essential to preserve its beauty and functionality for generations to come.

Don't wait – Elevate your creations with the timeless beauty of Snakewood.

Contact us today:

  • Visit our website to place your order directly.

  • Email us at info@exoticwoodsource.com with any questions or inquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snakewood.

    • Snakewood, also known as Letterwood or Amourette, is a rare and exotic hardwood prized for its distinctive snakeskin-like pattern and rich reddish-brown color. It's one of the densest and hardest woods in the world, making it highly sought after for musical instruments, fine woodworking, and unique crafts.

  • Snakewood is native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly in Suriname, Guyana, Brazil, and French Guiana. It thrives in the humid, nutrient-rich soils of these regions.

  • Snakewood is widely used in the crafting of musical instruments, especially violin bows and guitar fretboards, due to its exceptional tonal qualities. It's also popular for making knife handles, pens, jewelry, and other fine woodworking projects

  • At Exotic Wood Source, we are committed to sourcing Snakewood sustainably and ethically. We work closely with suppliers who adhere to strict environmental guidelines, ensuring that harvesting practices minimize impact on the rainforest ecosystem

  • To preserve the beauty and longevity of Snakewood, it's recommended to apply a high-quality oil or wax finish. Regularly dust with a soft cloth and reapply the finish as needed. Store Snakewood items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

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