Spalted Tamarind
Tamarindus indica · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to tropical Africa; widely cultivated in Southern Asia and Northern Oceania.
- Hardness
- 2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- The heartwood is durable and rot-resistant, but the sapwood (dominant in this sample) is non-durable and susceptible to insect attack without treatment.
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Grain Pattern
Generally wavy or interlocked with wide cathedral patterns. The most distinctive feature is the 'spalding' which creates black, line-like fungal discoloration patterns (zone lines) throughout the fibers.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a bold reddish brown, often with dark streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow to straw color. This specific sample shows high contrast between the pale sapwood and the darker fungal zone lines. It typically darkens slightly with age.
Hardness (Janka)
2,690 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
The heartwood is durable and rot-resistant, but the sapwood (dominant in this sample) is non-durable and susceptible to insect attack without treatment.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 - $30.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the spalting figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent/contemporary mill work (under 5 years) based on the crisp edges and lack of significant surface oxidation or UV graying.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable as it is widely cultivated for fruit.
Common Uses
Turning (bowls and pens), knife handles, furniture accents, veneer, and decorative inlay.
Geographic Origin
Native to tropical Africa; widely cultivated in Southern Asia and Northern Oceania.
Workability
Difficult due to high density and interlocked grain which causes tearout. The spalted (decayed) areas are much softer than the surrounding wood, which can lead to uneven sanding and requires sharp tools.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a sealer or wood stabilizer (like CA glue or Pentacryl) on soft spalted spots. Finishes beautifully with high-gloss oils or lacquers to highlight the chatoyance and spalting lines.
Notable Features
Heavy and dense. The spalting is caused by fungi that create unique aesthetic patterns. Dust can be an irritant for some woodworkers.
