On 23 Apr 2004 15:55:48 GMT, Dave Hinz wrote:

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.

Hardness, like whether solid or liquid, relies on bond strength
[atomic, not fibres], not amount per unit volume.

I heard of ironwood, lignum vitae, but not the other exotic woods
listed by Doug. Didn't LV used to be used for ball bearings in old
steam paddle boats?

Dan.