Mango
Mangifera indica • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked, often featuring a medium to coarse texture with visible large pores. Small amount of figure or ripple is common in turned items.
Color Description
Golden brown to light tan heartwood with yellowish streaks. Often features streaks of pink, green, or black caused by spalting or mineral deposits. Darkens slightly with age to a more uniform honey-gold.
Hardness Rating
1070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Non-durable; susceptible to fungal attack and termites if not properly finished and kept dry.
Common Uses
Bowls, platters, kitchenware, furniture, flooring, veneer, and musical instruments (ukuleles).
Geographic Origin
Native to South Asia; widely naturalized in tropical regions of Africa, Australia, and the Americas.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $10.00 per board foot for lumber; finished artisanal bowls range from $40.00 to $150.00 depending on size.
Wood Age Estimate
The object appears to be 10-30 years old, based on the patina, secondary oxidation of the turned grooves, and evidence of tool marks that have softened over time.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable. Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely grown for fruit with wood harvested as a byproduct of tree replacement.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machine and hand tools. Interlocked grain may cause some tearout during planing or turning. High silica content can dull cutting edges quickly.
Notable Features
Distinctive large pores; wood is very susceptible to spalting which creates unique black streaks. It is food-safe once seasoned, though some people may have a sensitivity to mango dust (Anacardiaceae family).
Finish Recommendations
For food-contact items like this bowl, mineral oil or beeswax is recommended. For decorative use, lacquer or polyurethane highlights the golden chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High. The golden hue, large open pores typical of tropical hardwoods, and the specific turning characteristics are consistent with common mango wood utility bowls.