Brazilin is closely related to the blue-black dye precursor hematoxylin, having one fewer hydroxyl group.

[2][1] Brazilin is obtained from the wood of Paubrasilia echinata, Biancaea sappan (Sappanwood), Caesalpinia violacea, and Haematoxylum brasiletto.

[1] The sappanwood is found in India, Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, the latter being a major supplier of the wood to Europe during the early Middle Ages.

Later, discovery of brazilwood (Paubrasilia echinata) in the new world led to its rise in popularity with the dye industry and eventually its over-exploitation.

An alternative preparation which produces a transparent red color involves soaking the brazilwood powder in glair or a solution of gum arabic.