Lignum Vitae

Common Name(s): Lignum Vitae

Scientific Name: Guaiacum officinale, G. sanctum

Distribution: Central America and northern South America

Tree Size: 20-30 ft (6-10 m) tall, 1-2 ft (.3-.6 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 79 lbs/ft3 (1,260 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): 1.05, 1.26

Janka Hardness: 4,390 lbf (19,510 N)

Modulus of Rupture: 18,450 lbf/in2 (127.2 MPa)

Elastic Modulus: 2,043,000 lbf/in2 (14.09 GPa)

Crushing Strength: 12,200 lbf/in2 (84.1 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: ~5%, Tangential: ~8%, Volumetric: ~13%, T/R Ratio: ~1.6

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