Mango (also known as Mango Wood)
Mangifera indica • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and irregular grain with a medium to coarse texture. Features visible circular saw marks across the grain and some light curly figure in the chatoyant regions.
Color Description
Golden-brown heartwood with streaks of dark brown and amber. The grain shows moderate luster and significant chatoyance; it usually darkens to a richer mahogany-like color with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Non-durable; susceptible to fungal attack and insects if not properly treated and finished.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, turned objects, decorative veneers, and musical instruments (ukuleles).
Geographic Origin
Native to tropical Asia (India and Southeast Asia), but widely naturalized and grown in tropical regions worldwide.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and spalting.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (appearing to be commercially processed and finished within the last 5-10 years, featuring intentional 'rough-sawn' distressing).
Sustainability Status
Highly Sustainable; not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List. Often harvested from trees that have finished their fruit-bearing life.
Workability
Generally easy to work with, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Known for its 'spalted' and 'curly' variations. Contains high levels of silica which can dull cutting edges, and may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer to seal the porous surface; oil-based finishes are excellent for highlighting the natural chatoyance and grain depth.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of large, slightly open pores, golden-amber color hues, and characteristic interlocked grain is highly representative of Mangifera indica in commercial furniture.