Spalted Tamarind
Tamarindus indica · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Native to tropical Africa; widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, Central and South America, and Florida/Caribbean.
- Hardness
- 2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- 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.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
