Spalted Tamarind
Tamarindus indica · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to tropical Africa; widely cultivated and naturalized in Southern Asia, specifically India, and tropical regions worldwide.
- Hardness
- 2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; the spalting process itself is a form of decay, making the wood susceptible to rot and insects if not stabilized or kept dry.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked or wavy grain featuring distinct spalted figure; characterized by black zone lines caused by fungal decay creating map-like patterns against a pale background.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically a bold pale yellow to creamy white with dark brown or black streaks; spalting adds high-contrast black lines. It may darken slightly to a more golden hue with age.
Hardness (Janka)
2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; the spalting process itself is a form of decay, making the wood susceptible to rot and insects if not stabilized or kept dry.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 - $30.00 per board foot, depending on the intensity and aesthetic quality of the spalting patterns.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The sample appears recently processed into turning blanks, showing fresh rough-sawn edges; the tree age is unknown, but the spalting indicates it was harvested from a log undergoing decomposition.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable but availability of highly figured/spalted logs is variable.
Common Uses
Turning (bowls/pens), knife handles, veneer, inlay work, small decorative boxes, and musical instrument accents.
Geographic Origin
Native to tropical Africa; widely cultivated and naturalized in Southern Asia, specifically India, and tropical regions worldwide.
Workability
Difficult due to high density and interlocked grain. Spalting can create soft 'punky' spots that tend to tear out; often requires stabilization with resins or CA glue before machining.
Finish Recommendations
Best with stabilizing finishes such as CA glue (super glue), penetrating oils, or high-gloss lacquers to highlight the contrast and strengthen punky areas.
Notable Features
Features distinct black lines (zone lines) created by fungi; the wood is very heavy and dense. It has no characteristic odor when worked but fine dust can be a respiratory irritant.
