Marblewood – Marblewood – Angelim Rajado – Serpentwood – Bois de Serpente

Names and distribution:

The name “Marblewood” refers to the marbled pattern of the heartwood. Other names are marble wood or serpente (“snake”). However, the trade and leading name is “Angelim rajado”. Botanically, Zygia racemosa = Marmaroxylon racemosum belongs to the Mimosaceae family (papilionaceous plants). The tree is native to the tropical rainforests of South America, from Colombia to the Amazon basin. The tree can reach diameters of up to 80 cm and heights of up to 25 m. However, the diameters are often smaller.

Wooden picture:

The sapwood is narrow and white, the heartwood is golden yellow-light brown with dark, irregular bands. Medium-sized pores, scattered arrangement, growth ring zones not pronounced. Structure: plain, parallel grain, occasionally alternating twisted. Decorative, with a flake cut reminiscent of marble. Similarity to Zebrano is present, but overall a much “wilder image”.

Properties:

The spec. weight is given as 0.98 – 1.03 t/m³ on average at a wood moisture content of 12%. The swelling and shrinkage values are estimated at 5.5% radial and 10.2% tangential, both rather high values that indicate low stability. Technical drying should therefore be avoided in order to prevent cracks and warping. Due to its high density and hardness, sharp tools should always be used. Otherwise easy to work in all directions, especially for turning. Shiny surfaces are created. The problem of leaking resins is reported. High elasticity (modulus of elasticity 19,400 N/mm²), high hardness, moderate natural durability, subtle resin odor during processing that later dissipates.

Use:

Furniture, wood for decorative applications and turned goods such as knife handles, electric guitar tops