Tamarind

2 x 2 x 6

Tamarind Wood (Tamarindus indica) is a distinctive tropical hardwood prized by woodworkers and turners for its rich color, interesting grain, excellent finishing qualities, and unique figured appearance. Best known for producing the familiar tamarind fruit, the tree also yields a dense, hard, durable wood that has become a sought-after specialty species for turning and small woodworking projects.

The heartwood ranges from deep reddish brown to dark brown, sometimes displaying attractive purplish tones. The sapwood is much lighter, typically pale yellow to cream, and is sharply differentiated from the heartwood. Tamarind sapwood is particularly interesting because it commonly develops spalting and natural discoloration, creating dramatic dark lines, streaks, and contrasting figure. In fact, much of the Tamarind available to American woodworkers is sold as spalted Tamarind.

The grain is generally wavy or interlocked, with a medium, relatively fine texture. This combination can produce exceptional visual movement when the blank is turned, especially when spalting, color variation, and natural figure are present. The heartwood is capable of taking a very high natural polish, making Tamarind an excellent choice for projects where the beauty of the wood is meant to be showcased.

Botanical Information

Scientific Name: Tamarindus indica

Family: Fabaceae

Common Names: Tamarind, Spalted Tamarind, Madeira Mahogany

Wood Type: Hardwood

Native Range: Tropical Africa

Current Distribution: Widely planted and cultivated throughout tropical regions worldwide

Wood Characteristics

Color: Cream to pale yellow sapwood; reddish brown to dark brown heartwood, sometimes with purple tones

Grain: Wavy, interlocked

Texture: Fine to medium

Natural Figure: Frequently spalted; streaking and discoloration are common

Density: Approximately 53 lb/ft³ (850 kg/m³) dried

Specific Gravity: Approximately 0.68–0.85 depending on measurement and material

Janka Hardness: Approximately 2,690 lbf / 11,970 N

Stability: Moderate

Natural Polish: Excellent 

Workability

Tamarind is a dense and hard wood, and the interlocked grain can make machining more challenging. Sharp tools are recommended, particularly when working heartwood, which can have a noticeable blunting effect on cutting edges. Despite its density, Tamarind turns exceptionally well when properly prepared and can produce a beautiful smooth surface. It also glues and finishes well.

For turners, the character of Tamarind can be especially rewarding. Spalted sections may contain softer or punky areas, so sharp tools and careful cutting are important. Stabilization with CA glue or epoxy can be useful when working particularly soft spalting. 

Durability

Tamarind heartwood is generally considered durable to very durable, with good resistance to decay and insect attack. The lighter sapwood is considerably less durable and is more susceptible to fungal and insect attack.

Common Uses

Tamarind is well suited for:

Woodturning

Pen blanks

Bottle stoppers

Handles

Bowls

Small boxes

Carvings

Decorative objects

Furniture accents

Specialty woodworking

Hybrid and stabilized projects

Collectible and exotic wood projects

Its combination of hardness, unusual grain, natural spalting, and ability to take a high polish makes it particularly attractive for small turned projects where figure and character are important.

Health & Safety

As with any exotic hardwood, avoid breathing Tamarind dust. Use appropriate dust collection and respiratory protection when cutting, sanding, or machining the wood. Published references contain differing levels of information regarding Tamarind's potential for irritation or toxicity, so normal precautions for exotic hardwood dust are recommended.

Oakbrook Wood Turning Supply

Tamarind is a fantastic choice for woodworkers looking for something outside the ordinary. From clean heartwood with rich reddish-brown coloration to highly figured spalted Tamarind filled with natural streaks and contrasting lines, every piece can have its own personality. It is a particularly exciting species for pen turning, small projects, carving, and other specialty applications where the natural character of the wood can take center stage.