The scientific name of the tree is Bulnesia sarmientoi and it is found only in the forests of the Southern part of South America. It has a brown-red color when cutting the wood, but when it stays in the air it oxidizes and acquires a characteristic deep green color.
The reason it oxidizes and turns green when exposed to air is that it contains large amounts of copper in its structure. For the same reason the wood has a very high density of 1,1 to 1,32 g/cm3 and a high hardness, three times harder than Oak. It also has excellent dimensional stability to retain its shape after manufacture.
Due to its high hardness it is difficult to machine and requires excellent quality cutting tools. The finishing process is done without any particular problems.
Its fibers contain Guaiac Wood Oil, which is used as an essential oil in aromatherapy, waxworks, cosmetics, etc. Characteristic is the smell of wood, when it is simply heated.
The same oil combined with copper, are what make wood immune to almost everything (except fire). So the wood is not affected by the sun, humidity, insects and fungi even if it is left unpainted and exposed to bad conditions. The only change over time is in its color, due to its oxidation.
Bulnesia sarmientoi has been listed as an endangered tree since 2001, due to the high global demand for this wood, its extracts and its essential oils.
Jewelry made of Guaiac Wood is precious and rare, both because Guaiac Wood is a hard-to-find wood and because it is difficult to process. The passage of time gives it a wonderful antique look as it oxidizes and turns green.
Also, jewelry made of Guaiac Wood has a practically infinite lifespan, due to its unparalleled resistance in all conditions.
