Black Walnut (Claro or Orchard variety suspected)
Juglans nigra (or Juglans hindsii) · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and Eastern United States (Juglans nigra) or California/Pacific Northwest (Juglans hindsii).
- Hardness
- 1,010 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack (powderpost beetles).
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Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and figured; prominent crotch figure, curly/fiddleback ripples, and swirling grain around knots. Deep chatoyance is visible throughout the bowl wall.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a rich, warm chocolate brown with distinct golden and olive undertones. High luster. Sapwood (if present) is creamy white, though this piece appears primarily heartwood with significant figure-induced color variation.
Hardness (Janka)
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack (powderpost beetles).
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 - $45.00 per board foot for highly figured/curled turning blanks.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Sample turned within the last 1-5 years; the fresh finish and lack of significant UV-induced darkening or graying suggest a contemporary creation.
- Sustainability Status
- Generally stable; not CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Widely available through FSC certified sources.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, bowl turning, musical instruments (especially guitar backs), gunstocks, cabinetry, and high-end veneers.
Geographic Origin
Central and Eastern United States (Juglans nigra) or California/Pacific Northwest (Juglans hindsii).
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes and turns cleanly, though figured areas require sharp tools to prevent tearout. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (Tongue or Danish oil) to pop the figure, or a high-gloss lacquer/polyurethane to enhance the deep chatoyance and grain depth.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. High tannin content. Non-toxic but dust can be a sensitizer for some woodworkers.
