Spalted Tamarind
Tamarindus indica · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to tropical Africa; widely cultivated and naturalized in Southeast Asia, India, and tropical regions worldwide.
- Hardness
- 2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Heartwood is durable to very durable; sapwood is non-durable and susceptible to insect attack, though the spalting process itself is a controlled decay that is halted once the wood is dried.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked or wavy grain featuring distinctive spalting. Spalting manifests as dark, irregular zone lines caused by fungal decay, creating a marble-like or map-like appearance against the primary grain.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically a bold yellowish-brown, sometimes with a reddish hue. The sapwood is a wide, pale yellow to straw color. The defining characteristic is the presence of high-contrast black or dark brown spalting lines throughout.
Hardness (Janka)
2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Heartwood is durable to very durable; sapwood is non-durable and susceptible to insect attack, though the spalting process itself is a controlled decay that is halted once the wood is dried.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 - $35.00 per board foot, though usually sold as turning blanks or by the piece due to its specialty nature.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The sample appears to be a relatively recent limb or small trunk section (less than 10-15 years old) based on its diameter, fresh-looking bark-line interface, and the presence of active/recent fungal spalting.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable as it is widely cultivated for fruit and as an ornamental tree.
Common Uses
Turning (bowls, platters), knife handles, furniture accents, veneer, small specialty wood items, and decorative carvings.
Geographic Origin
Native to tropical Africa; widely cultivated and naturalized in Southeast Asia, India, and tropical regions worldwide.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme density and interlocked grain which causes frequent tearout. The high density tends to dull cutting edges rapidly. It glues and finishes well, but requires sharp tools and slow feed rates.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or clear film finishes like lacquer or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the sharp contrast of the spalting lines. Stabilizing with resin is often done for softer spalted sections.
Notable Features
Features distinct black zone lines (spalting). The wood is extremely heavy and dense. Dust from sanding can be a respiratory irritant, so a mask is highly recommended during processing.
