Red Mallee

Red Mallee is a distinctive Australian hardwood prized for its rich reddish-brown heartwood with darker streaks and dramatic natural figure, creating a bold and visually appealing material for artisan woodworking. Native to southern and western Australia, this dense and durable wood is highly valued for stability, hardness, and natural luster, making it perfect for fine craftwork.

The interlocked grain and unique coloring make Red Mallee ideal for pen blanks, knife handles, small turned objects, inlays, and decorative accents, showcasing both strength and beauty. Its density and polishability allow it to take a smooth, lustrous finish, highlighting the deep red tones and natural figure.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Eucalyptus socialis (or Eucalyptus oleosa for some regional variants)

Family: Myrtaceae

Origin: Australia

Common & Trade Names

Red Mallee, Australian Red Mallee, Red Mallee Eucalyptus, Mallee Wood

Key Characteristics

Heartwood: rich reddish-brown with darker streaks

Fine to medium texture

Interlocked to wavy grain

High natural luster

Dense, strong, and stable

Workability

Machines, sands, and turns well with sharp tools

Polishes to a smooth satin finish

Glues and finishes reliably

Dense but manageable for precision projects

Health & Safety Note

Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. Always use dust extraction, respirator, and eye protection when machining or sanding Red Mallee.

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