number one....true ironwood has a moisture content of near null....that is one way to tell if you have ironwood, true ironwood will not float in water.....another is location, Arizona and Mexico are the only places where real ironwood comes from, Sonora Desert is the main location, in Mexico it is considered a National Treasure so it is costly and limited to supply due to regulations on harvesting. Coloring can range from black to orange and brown with some reds, ironwood is actually native trees that have been exposed to the elements of the desert mineralized over time to harden and color the woods according to the content. Pricing is another factor, people who sell ironwood KNOW what they have, therefore they charge accordingly, buyer beware....hopes this helps, pappy
