Many of our chess pieces use natural woods, and we have received a number of inquiries into what a particular wood is.
Common names can create confusion, since many different tree species use the same common name.
Interestingly enough, the Dalbergia genus is usually associated with Rosewoods, and, not commonly, Ebonies. This species of wood is reported to grow in the Dominican Republic, the Maracaibo Lake region of Venezuela. It is usually found on dry chalky or rock slopes. Its texture is very fine and uniform. It has a generally straight grain, with a very high luster.