Goncalo Alves/tigerwood
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Common Name(s): Goncalo Alves, Tigerwood, Jobillo Scientific Name: Astronium spp. (A. graveolens and A. fraxinifolium) Distribution: From Mexico southward to Brazil Tree Size: 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 57 lbs/ft3 (905 kg/m3) Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .80, .91 Janka Hardness: 2,170 lbf (9,640 N) Modulus of Rupture: 16,970 lbf/in2 (117.0 MPa) Elastic Modulus: 2,401,000 lbf/in2 (16.56 GPa) Crushing Strength: 10,770 lbf/in2 (74.2 MPa) Shrinkage: Radial: 4.2%, Tangential: 7.8%, Volumetric: 11.2%, T/R Ratio: 1.9 |
Color/Appearance: Heartwood is typically a medium reddish brown with irregularly spaced streaks of dark brown to black. Color tends to darken with age.
Grain/Texture: Grain can be straight, but is usually wavy or interlocked. Fine, uniform texture with good natural luster.
Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; medium to large pores in no specific arrangement, few; solitary and radial multiples of 2-3; tyloses and other heartwood deposits common; growth rings indistinct; narrow rays visible without lens, normal spacing; parenchyma vasicentric.
Rot Resistance: Goncalo Alves has excellent weathering properties, and is rated as very durable regarding decay resistance.
Workability: Goncalo Alves is generally not too difficult to work, despite its high density. Figured pieces with irregular grain can pose a challenge in planing and machining operations. Goncalo Alves can also have a moderate blunting effect on cutters. The wood is very resistant to moisture absorption, which can make it difficult to glue. Goncalo Alves turns and finishes well.
Odor: No characteristic odor.
Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Goncalo Alves has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Pricing/Availability: Widely available in a variety of widths and lengths as both lumber and veneer, as well as smaller craft blanks. Prices should be moderate for an imported hardwood.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Common Uses: Flooring, veneers, furniture, cabinetry, carving, turned objects, and other small wood specialty objects such as: pool cues, archery bows, knife handles, etc.
