COMMON NAMES:   Mesquite, algaroba

SPECIFIC GRAVITY:   .8

DENSITY:  50 lbs./cu.ft.

TANGENTIAL MOVEMENT:   8%

RADIAL MOVEMENT:   4%

VOLUMETRIC SHRINKAGE:

DURABILITY1:   Good

SOURCE:  North and South America

DESCRIPTION:   A very strong, heavy and hard wood with medium stiffness. Heartwood is rich dark brown with darker wavy lines. Grain is slightly wavy. Growth rings are defined. Not lustrous, but has a fragrance. Easily worked, and has little resistance or blunting effect with the use of hand and machine tools. Difficult to stain, but takes glue well. Used for heavy construction, vehicle bodies, heavy duty flooring, joinery, poles, railway sleepers, turnery, and decorative veneers.

1 Durability refers to a wood's resistance to rotting in wet environments.