Rosewood refers to any of a number of richly hued timbers, often brownish with darker veining, but found in many different hues. All rosewoods are strong and heavy, taking an excellent polish, being suitable for guitars, marimbas, turnery (billiard cues, the black pieces in chess sets, etc.), handles, furniture, luxury flooring, etc. Rosewood oil, used in perfume, is extracted from the wood of Aniba rosaeodora, which is not related to the rosewoods used for lumber.
In general, supplies are poor through overexploitation. Some species become canopy trees (up to 30 m high), and large pieces can occasionally be found in the trade.
The dust created from sanding rosewood is considered an irritant and can cause asthma. The more a person is exposed to it, the more sensitive they can become.
Read more about Rosewood: True Rosewoods, Other "rosewoods", Madagascar Rosewood Logging Controversy