Ironwood – Desert

Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota), or Palo Fierro, grows only in the Sonoran Desert of southwestern Arizona and northwestern Mexico. It’s one of the hardest, densest woods in the world, and it sinks in water.
Its color varies enormously, from golden tan to deep reddish and purplish browns, often with dark streaks, and many pieces show stunning figure. The contrast between the dark heartwood and pale yellow sapwood can be dramatic. The trees grow slowly and often live for hundreds of years.
The density makes it very difficult to cut and shape, so carbide tooling and patience are a must. It turns, polishes and finishes beautifully, though, to a glassy luster, often needing no more than buffing. Much of what’s sold comes from dead, fallen wood, as the trees are an important part of the desert ecosystem.
Desert Ironwood is a favorite for knife handles, gun grips, turnings, pens, carving and other small, special pieces. It’s a protected species in Mexico, so supply is limited.
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.? However, Desert Ironwood (known as Palo Fierro in Spanish) is considered a protected species in Mexico due to overexploitation and diminishing natural habitat.
Why We Love This Wood
Difficult to work, but what gorgeous grain and color!
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Vital Statistics
| Main Color Group | Variegated |
| Grain Pattern | Pronounced |
| Avg Dry Weight - LB/BF | 6.3 |
| Avg Dry Weight - KG/M3 | 1200 |
| Janka Hardness - LBF | 3260 |
| Janka Hardness - N | 14500 |
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