Goncalo Alves

Goncalo Alves (Astronium graveolens)

Common Name(s): Goncalo Alves, Tigerwood

Scientific Name: Astronium graveolens, A. fraxinifolium

Distribution: From Mexico southward to Brazil

Tree Size: 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 62 lbs/ft³ (995 kg/m³)

Basic Specific Gravity: .80

Hardness: 2,250 lb_f (10,000 N)

Bending Strength: 18,400 lb_f/in² (126,920 kPa)

Elasticity: 2,404,000 lb_f/in² (16,580 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 4.0%, Tangential: 7.6%, Volumetric: 10.0%, T/R Ratio: 1.9

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is typically a medium reddish brown with irregularly spaced streaks of dark brown to black. Color tends to darken with age.

Grain/Pore: Grain can be straight, but is usually wavy or interlocked. Goncalo Alves has a fine, uniform texture with very small pores.

Durability: Goncalo Alves has excellent weathering properties, and is rated as very durable regarding decay resistance.

Workability: Goncalo Alves is generally not too difficult to work, despite its high density. Figured pieces with irregular grain can pose a challenge in planing and machining operations. Goncalo Alves can also have a moderate blunting effect on cutters. The wood is very resistant to moisture absorption, which can make it difficult to glue. Goncalo Alves turns and finishes well.

Smell: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.

Safety: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Goncalo Alves has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Price Range: Should be moderately priced for an import, likely to be in the neighborhood of other mid-range Latin American imports such as Chechen or Purpleheart.

Comments: Goncalo Alves is commonly referred to as “Tigerwood” or “Brazilian Tigerwood” among flooring dealers. The wood has superb stiffness, strength, hardness, and durability.

Some common uses of Goncalo Alves include: flooring, veneers, furniture, cabinetry, carving, turned objects, and other small wood specialty objects such as: pool cues, archery bows, knife handles, etc.