Acacia (likely Mimosa or Monkey Pod)
Acacia spp. (e.g., Acacia mangium or Albizia saman) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain with a prominent cathedral figure from flat-sawing; features medium to coarse texture with open pores
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood with golden-yellow highlights; distinct light-colored sapwood is visible at the edges; tends to darken slightly with age and develop a medium natural luster
Hardness Rating
1750 lbf (Hard to Very Hard classification depending on specific Acacia species)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; good natural resistance to termites and rot, though sapwood remains susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
Dining tables, small furniture, flooring, bowls/platters, and decorative homewares
Geographic Origin
Southeast Asia, India, and Australia; widely grown on plantations in tropical regions
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on thickness and figuring
Wood Age Estimate
5-15 years based on the lack of deep oxidation/patina and modern surface finish wear
Sustainability Status
Generally Sustainable; not CITES listed and frequently sourced from fast-growing plantations
Workability
Fairly easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause surface tear-out during planing; glues and finishes well but may dull blades quickly due to high density
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet or earthy scent when worked; medium-heavy weight; high contrast between heartwood and sapwood
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or satin polyurethanes work best to highlight the golden chatoyance without creating a plastic-like appearance
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large open pores, varied brown-to-gold tones, and the specific cathedral-grain swirl around the knot is classic for plantation-grown Acacia furniture