Spalted Tamarind
Tamarindus indica · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Native to tropical Africa; widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, Central, and South America.
- Hardness
- 1,620 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; the wood is susceptible to rot and insect attack, which is actually the process that creates the desirable spalting patterns.
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Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and wild with significant spalting (fungal discoloration) creating black "zone lines." The base grain is typically interlocked or wavy, frequently accompanied by insect holes from ambrosia beetles.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a pale yellow to light brown with darker reddish-brown streaks. The spalting introduces dramatic, ink-like black lines and grayish patches. Sapwood is wide and creamy white, often blending into the heartwood in spalted samples.
Hardness (Janka)
1,620 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; the wood is susceptible to rot and insect attack, which is actually the process that creates the desirable spalting patterns.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 to $25.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the spalting figure; often sold by the piece for turning blanks.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or recently dried stock; the presence of active insect holes and lack of significant UV darkening suggests the wood has not been aged as a finished piece for long.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally considered sustainable due to wide cultivation as a fruit tree.
Common Uses
Furniture, turned objects (bowls, pens), knife handles, decorative veneers, inlay work, and electric guitar tops.
Geographic Origin
Native to tropical Africa; widely cultivated in Southeast Asia, Central, and South America.
Workability
Difficult to work due to high density and interlocked grain which causes tearout. The spalted (decayed) areas are much softer than the surrounding wood, sanding unevenly. Frequent sharpening of tools is required.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a stabilizing finish or wood sealer to harden soft spalted areas. Clear film finishes like CA glue (for small items), lacquer, or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the contrast of the black lines.
Notable Features
Features distinct black zone lines caused by fungi. It is prone to "punky" or soft spots where decay is advanced. The wood is quite heavy and dense in its non-decayed state.
