Santos Mahogany is not a true mahogany timber. The mahogany headline was connected to the name as a marketing scheme. But that does not mean that it is any reduced in quality. In fact, Santos mahogany is regarded one of the best timbers for use as exotic hardwood.

There is a fair degree of color variation between boards of Quina, ranging from a lighter golden brown to a darker purplish red or burgundy. The color tends to turn more red/purple with age. Quartersawn sections can show a striped or ribbon pattern.

Appearance: Heartwood is reddish brown becoming deep red with hues of purple upon exposure. It has a distinctive fragrance that makes it high in demand. Gloss is medium to high, grain is interlocked with medium to fine texture with narrow parallel bands of streaks and patterns.

Quina has a very distinctive spicy scent when being worked. Trees from the Myroxylon genus are used to make Balsam of Peru, an ingredient used in perfumes.

Characteristics: Its stability, beauty, strength and outstanding durability makes it one of the most popular hardwood flooring species in the world. It is heavy and moderately difficult to saw. Mechanical properties and mechanical resistance are high. Responds well to artificial drying using a mild drying program. Heartwood shows high natural durability and does not require preservation.