On Fri, 23 Apr 2004 08:18:06 -0700, vrhorton wrote:
Most sources consider Lignum Vitae (Guaicum officinale), with a specific
gravity of 1.37) to be the hardest. Desert Ironwood (Olney test) comes in
sixth at 1.15 Specific gravity is the relative density of the wood to that
of pure water . . . both of these woods will sink if put in water.

Specific gravity measures density, not hardness. The metal mercury has
a very high specific density, yet is not hard. Not sure these two have
much if any correlation.

Dave Hinz