Coraçao de negro, Gombeira, Wamara, Panacoco, Brazilian ebony, ironwood: there are many popular names of this wood (Swartzia spp.), which comes from Brazil, Guyana and Surinam. Since there are more than 150 species of the genus Swartzia, precise distinctions of species are often hardly possible, especially as many species have very similar dark brown wood. The timber holds a unique role thanks to its high density, hardness and weight of approximately 1200 kg / m3, it is thus one of the hardest and most rot resistant woods in the world. The challenge in working on this wood is probably the main reason why this species is rarely found outside Brazil. The woods color is deep rich golden to dark brown, almost black, it darkens through contact with oxygen and light still more. Attractive interlocked grain figure occurs frequently and gives the fine-pored wood silky luster and fine structures with an attractive, rosewood-like appearance. The use of this wood is very diverse, from flooring, construction, musical instruments, string bows over turnery, sculptures, bowling balls to knife handles and pens extends the wide range. In recent years it has gained its place as a substitute for African ebony in guitars since it is used by Fender and Gibson in expensive models. Freshly cut Gombeira may be yellow inside, the color will turn to dark brown in a few days.
.