Mopane
Colophospermum mopane • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked grain with frequent wavy figure. Can appear curly or wild, especially in larger trunks. Very fine, uniform texture.
Color Description
Heartwood is a rich reddish-brown to dark brown, often with black streaks. Sapwood is a distinct yellowish-cream. It has a high natural luster and develops a deep patina over time.
Hardness Rating
3,390 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and wood-boring insects. It is one of the most durable woods in Africa.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (especially woodwinds like clarinets and bagpipes), turnery, heavy construction, floor sleepers, fencing, furniture, and high-end veneer.
Geographic Origin
Southern Africa, primarily Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
High market value; approximately $25.00 - $45.00 per board foot depending on grade and size, often sold by weight for turning blanks.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample shows significant weathering and silvering on the outer surface, suggesting it has been exposed to the elements for decades (likely 30-50+ years).
Sustainability Status
Not currently CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered sustainable within its native range but restricted in some local regions.
Workability
Extremely difficult to work due to density and interlocked grain. Rapidly dulls cutting edges. It glues well and turns beautifully with sharp carbide tools.
Notable Features
Distinctive oily feel and faint, sweet scent when cut. High density means it sinks in water. Known for excellent acoustic properties similar to African Blackwood.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with natural oils (paraffin or tung) or simply buffed to a high natural shine. Waxes also work well; film-forming finishes like polyurethane are generally unnecessary.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The characteristic wavy, interlocked grain combined with the specific reddish-brown heartwood/yellow sapwood contrast and extreme weathering is highly indicative of weathered Mopane.