Mango Wood
Mangifera indica • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Highly variable and interlocked grain with straight sections; features a coarse texture and occasional spalting or curly figure. The sample shows a prominent knot and irregular cathedral shifts.
Color Description
Medium golden-brown heartwood with streaks of yellow and pink; sapwood is lighter. Known for significant color variation and a natural luster; develops a deeper golden patina with age.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; susceptible to fungal decay and insect attack if not treated, but performs well for indoor furniture.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, turned objects, veneer, and musical instruments (ukuleles).
Geographic Origin
Native to South Asia (India/Southeast Asia), but widely cultivated in tropical regions worldwide.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on figure and spalting levels.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern (5-15 years post-processing); the surface shows signs of industrial sanding and factory finishing with light oxidation and household wear.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; often harvested from fruit plantations once the trees reach the end of their fruit-bearing life. Not listed in CITES or IUCN Red List.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain may cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Often displays spalting (dark streaks caused by fungi). It is a sustainable byproduct of the fruit industry and lacks a distinctive scent when finished.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or polyurethane to highlight the diverse color streaks. Sanding to a high grit is necessary due to the coarse texture.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of golden-yellow hues, coarse grain, characteristic 'blotchy' color variation, and the specific knot structure is indicative of plantation-grown Mango.