Hi,
Here are some technical details about the wood:
Bois de Rose or Dalbergia frutescens. Natural weight = 0,96 (Brasil).
Small tree which rarely grows thicker than 10" in diameter, 8" left after removal of the bark.
The yellow/pink heart wood shows clear pink/red stripes.
The grain is straight or irregular, fine texture and homogenus.
Dries easily but shows surface cracks. Dissficult to sawing and working.
Turning is much easier than regular projects. Excellent polishing.
Used for marquetry, for some wind instruments, decoration objects and woodworking.
And here are some practical details of the wood:
The wood is very oily and as any true rosewood, it dries slowly and has to be really dry before you can use it for cues. The boring into the wood needs to be slow as it burns easily and will not glue anymore if burned.
The wood is pretty heavy (0.96 to 1 (water)) and is advised to be cored due to rather easy cracking and splitting when used as forearms.
Because of the fact that the wood is oily, it will take a great finish when been sealed (with thin superglue for example). This also slows the loss of the nice deep purple color. But like all rosewoods, it will darken with time.
Be careful with inlays as the wood doesn't glue easily.
Here is a jump cue I made out of Bois de rose:
Take care...
Tom Penrose