Spalted Tamarind
Tamarindus indica • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and variable due to Spalting; features black zone lines caused by fungal activity, with an interlocked to wavy grain in the base wood.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a medium to dark reddish brown; however, this spalted sample displays a pale yellowish-gray background with dramatic, high-contrast black and dark brown lines.
Hardness Rating
2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Non-durable; the heartwood is naturally resistant to rot, but the spalting process (fungi) compromises the wood's structural integrity over time.
Common Uses
Turning (bowls and pens), knife handles, furniture accents, veneer, and decorative inlay.
Geographic Origin
Native to tropical Africa; widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and Florida/Caribbean.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $15.00 to $25.00 per board foot for figured/spalted turning blanks.
Wood Age Estimate
Cannot be precisely determined from the image, but the heavy spalting indicates the wood was harvested in a decaying state or left in a humid environment for a prolonged period.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme density and interlocked grain; the spalted (rotted) areas are much softer and prone to "punky" texture, requiring stabilizers (like CA glue or resin) during machining.
Notable Features
Features distinct black "zone lines" created by fungus battling for territory; produces a faint, tart odor while being worked; dust can be an irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Sanding sealer is essential for inconsistent density; high-gloss polyurethane or CA glue finishes work best to highlight the chatoyance and black line detail.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic black zone lines against a yellowish-tan background are diagnostic of Spalted Tamarind.