Mango Wood (likely with spalting)
Mangifera indica • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with significant spalting (dark fungal lines) and potentially some curly figure in the upper section.
Color Description
Golden brown heartwood with prominent black fungal streaks (spalting). The sapwood is generally tan or yellowish. It exhibits high natural luster and can darken or become more amber over time with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; susceptible to insect attack and not recommended for ground contact or outdoor use without treatment.
Common Uses
Furniture, tabletop surfaces, bowls, cabinetry, musical instruments (mostly ukuleles and guitars), and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Asia; widely cultivated in tropical regions globally including Hawaii, India, and Southeast Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $15.00 per board foot (standard), though spalted or highly figured pieces command a premium.
Wood Age Estimate
Finished product showing some surface wear; wood appears to be harvested from a mature tree, likely converted into furniture within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; highly sustainable as it is a byproduct of the fruit industry.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Spalted areas can be soft and 'punky', requiring stabilizing or sharp tools to avoid crushing fibers.
Notable Features
Known for distinct colors caused by fungi (spalting) and its coarse texture. It is a dense, sustainable alternative to traditional tropical hardwoods.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer (as seen in the photo) provides a protective barrier; oil-based finishes enhance the depth of the grain and the contrast of the spalting.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The combination of coarse texture, golden-tan base color, and distinct 'map-like' black spalting lines on a commercial tabletop is highly characteristic of Mango.