Black Walnut (Claro or Orchard variety suspected)
Juglans nigra (or Juglans hindsii) • Hardwood
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 Description
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 Rating
1,010 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to decay and rot, though susceptible to insect attack (powderpost beetles).
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).
Market 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.
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.
Notable Features
Distinctive mild, spicy scent when worked. High tannin content. Non-toxic but dust can be a sensitizer for some woodworkers.
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.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of rich brown color with olive hints, the specific type of crotch/curl figure, and the characteristic grain swirl is hallmark of high-grade figured Black Walnut.