When a piece of wood has been cut to size, a question can arise: “What type of wood that does not float?” There are several types of wood, from Lignum vitae (also called Lignum lucidum) to petrified wood. The latter type of wood, which is made of limestone, can have a tendency to float. However, this may be due to its natural condition, as opposed to an issue with the wood itself.
Lignum vitae
Lignum vitae is one of the hardest and densest woods in the world. This dense and hard wood can be used for bearings for ships and turbines. However, the lignum vitae tree has been threatened with overharvesting.
Lignum vitae has a dense, hard texture that is not easily destroyed by decay or insects. It is particularly resistant to water, salt and high acidic conditions.
The fruit of the Lignum Vitae tree is a red fleshy pulp that is 1 inch in diameter. It contains black seeds. When ripe, the capsule splits open.
For hundreds of years, the lignum vitae tree was a popular wood for sailing vessel sheaves. Sailing vessel builders used lignum vitae until the introduction of modern synthetics. Many 18th century chronometers were made using lignum vitae gears.
In the 1940s, the lignum vitae tree became overharvested. This led to its designation as a species of conservation concern. CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, placed lignum vitae on the IUCN Red List as a endangered species. CITES also lists lignum vitae as appendix II, meaning that it is prohibited from being traded.
Several historical uses for lignum vitae include bowling balls, deadeyes, belaying pins and a variety of marine chronometers. In addition, the wood is used to make croquet mallets.
Petrified wood
If you are searching for an elegant decoration for your home or office, petrified wood may be just the right choice. Petrified wood is the result of an ancient process of decay in which a wood or plant is replaced by hardened minerals in the absence of oxygen.
Petrified wood is formed when the mineral silica infiltrates the pores of a piece of wood. As a result, the wood becomes dense enough to hold its shape.
The petrification process takes years to millions of years. A variety of factors play a role. However, the most important factor is the presence of water with dissolved minerals. These minerals seep into the pores of buried wood and cause the wood cells to become porous. Eventually, the cellular structure is disrupted. Minerals such as calcite crystallize inside the wood and replace the organic matter.
Depending on the type of wood, petrification can take years, weeks, or even months. In addition to the time frame, the amount of minerals and the environment can also affect the outcome.
Petrified wood has a rich, timeless look. It can be cut and polished to create specimens. Some people enjoy its curiosity.
Petrified wood is often shaped in interesting ways. There are two main types. One type is called homogeneous, and it shows a uniform ring color.
Ebony
Ebony is a dense, hard, durable and lustrous black wood. It is used for making musical instruments, furniture and flooring. However, it is not easy to obtain. The demand for this material is still growing.
There are several types of ebony that are grown worldwide. They include Gabon ebony, Ceylon ebony, Macassar ebony, Diospyros mun and Diospyros crassiflora. These trees are found in Africa, Indonesia and Asia.
In the ancient world, ebony was considered a material that was used in fine furniture. During this time, the pharaohs of Egypt went to great lengths to procure this precious material.
In recent years, ebony trees have been endangered, particularly in the African continent. The demand for this material is still increasing, but some countries are enacting new laws to protect ebony trees.
The ebony tree has also been used for various medicinal purposes. It is believed to cure malaria, as well as other diseases. Some other uses for ebony include drinking cups, inlay work, bowling balls, chin rests, chess board pieces, plectrums, tuning pegs, golf club heads, bowling balls, handgun grips, and chessboards.
Unlike other woods, ebony does not float on water. This is why it is very valuable. But ebony can be quite heavy, and its tools get very dull quickly.
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