Mango Wood
Mangifera indica • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked grain with curly and wavy figure; flat-sawn orientation showing broad cathedral patterns and localized spalting-like dark streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is golden brown with streaks of pink, yellow, and black. High chatoyance under a semi-gloss finish. Sapwood is typically pale yellow but largely integrated here through staining or selection. Darkens and becomes more amber with age.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; vulnerable to rot and insect attack if left unfinished or used outdoors. Best suited for indoor environments.
Common Uses
Furniture, decorative bowls, cabinetry, flooring, musical instruments (ukuleles), and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to South Asia (India/Myanmar), but widely cultivated throughout tropical regions including Southeast Asia, Hawaii, and Central America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot for figured lumber; lower for utility grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern production (less than 10 years); the surface shows a contemporary film finish with minimal wear and no structural oxidation typical of antique wood.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable and not CITES listed. Frequently harvested as a byproduct of the fruit industry once trees stop producing fruit.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing. Glues and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Often exhibits spalting caused by fungi before harvesting. Known for its wide variety of colors within a single board and a sweet, faint scent when freshly cut.
Finish Recommendations
A film-building finish like polyurethane or lacquer (as seen in the photo) is recommended to protect the moderately porous surface and enhance the grain depth.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the variegated 'marbled' coloring, prominent interlocked grain figure, and the specific luster is characteristic of secondary-growth tropical Mango wood used in modern furniture.