Description

• Appearance: Creamy white to light reddish-brown color, fine texture, and straight grain interrupted by small, swirly, knot-like patterns.
• Cause: The exact cause is unknown, but theories suggest it arises when the tree, under stress from environmental factors (like poor soil or cold), attempts to grow numerous new buds that are subsequently aborted, creating “eyes”.
• Source: Primarily found in hard maple trees (Acer saccharum) in the Great Lakes region of the USA and Canada.
• Usage: Popular for high-end furniture, cabinets, musical instruments (guitar tops), woodturning, and veneers.
• Rarity: It is considered one of the rarest and most sought-after types of wood.