Lignum vitae is one of the heaviest and densest timbers ever used in cabinetmaking and engineering. The heartwood ranges from olive brown to deep greenish black, often darkening further with age and exposure to light. Its exceptionally fine texture and high natural oil content allow it to be polished to a deep, almost glass like finish, while the surface can feel noticeably oily to the touch.

The grain is typically interlocked and extremely tight, giving the wood remarkable strength and resistance to wear. These same qualities make it difficult to work with hand tools, as it rapidly dulls cutting edges and resists gluing. Despite this, lignum vitae turns exceptionally well and has long been valued for precision components where durability was essential.

Historically, lignum vitae was used where no substitute could match its performance. Applications included bearings, pulleys, tool heads, mallet heads, and marine components, particularly in situations involving water or constant friction. Its natural self lubricating properties made it indispensable in shipbuilding, clockmaking, and heavy engineering, while smaller sections were reserved for fine turned objects and specialist tools.

The name lignum vitae translates as wood of life, reflecting its early medicinal use and its almost legendary reputation for longevity and resilience. Due to centuries of exploitation, genuine lignum vitae is now scarce, highly protected, and found almost exclusively in historic or antique objects.