Tagua Nut

Tagua nuts are small (roughly 2″ long) seeds from palm trees in the Phytelephas genus. Beneath the thin, brown, flaky skin of the nuts lies a stark white tissue that closely resembles animal ivory: hence Tagua nuts are sometimes referred to as palm ivory.

The average density of the “ivory” material is approximately 75 lbs/ft3 (1,200 kg/m3). Although oily and non-porous, Tagua nuts can be glued to wood or each other using epoxy or CA glue. At the center of each nut lies a very small void (see image below). Because of their small size, Tagua nuts are typically only used for inlays, accents, and small carvings.

Tagua nut
Tagua nut
Tagua nut (cut open)
Tagua nut (cut open)
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Mark Smith

Just to add to my question, these picture is of a similar example of nut type product with a different shape & colour to them. might help some?

Mark

Mark Smith

Can anyone help identify this ‘nut’ type wood I have a few pieces of?
It’s like an ebonised hardwood, with textured grain like outer. approx an inch or so long, oval to flat in shape.

Appreciate your advise or direction as to where I might seek more information.

Many Thanks
Mark

Leon Olson

I have had tagua glue joints fail with both epoxy and CA glue but not E6000.

Steven pigeon

Hello, I’m Steve , has the e6000 conyimued to hold. How underpressure as in a cane handle?

Darin Kel J

Oh ok. So they are wet proof as well?

Darin Kel J

Do they need to be sealed?