Spalted Tamarind
Tamarindus indica • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and dramatic due to fungal spalting; typically interlocked or wavy. The sample shows significant black zone lines (fungal signatures) creating a marble-like figure.
Color Description
The wood exhibits a pale yellow to straw-colored base with contrasting dark brown and black streaks caused by decay. Heartwood is typically small and reddish-brown, though the sapwood is what is prized for spalting.
Hardness Rating
1,530 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; the sapwood is highly susceptible to rot and insects, which allows the spalting process to occur. Once dried, it is stable but remains perishable if exposed to moisture.
Common Uses
Turning (bowls and spindles), knife handles, ornamental veneer, fine furniture accents, and decorative objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to tropical Africa; widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, Central America, and South America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $30.00 per board foot, depending on the intensity of the spalting figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Unknown; however, the level of spalting and surface oxidation suggests the log was harvested and left to 'cure' in a damp environment for 6-12 months to develop the fungus.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally considered sustainable as it is widely cultivated for fruit.
Workability
Difficult due to interlocked grain and high density. The spalting introduces 'punky' or soft spots that can tear out during machining. Sharp tools and the use of stabilizers (like CA glue or wood hardener) are often required.
Notable Features
High density and weight. The most distinctive feature is the 'spalting' lines which are actual boundaries between different fungal colonies. Dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss finishes like CA glue (for small items), lacquer, or polyurethane highlight the chatoyance and sharp contrast of the black lines. Pentacryl or wood hardeners may be needed during preparation.
Identification Confidence
High; the irregular pale sapwood with distinct, chaotic black zone lines and the 'punky' fibrous texture in the unsanded areas are classic hallmarks of Spalted Tamarind.