Mesquite Block M-1060 3.2" x 5.7" x 15.2" 8.4 lbs. This is a complex block of Texas Honey Mesquite that is full of potential. As you can see, it has a lot of cracks. These were cracks that formed while the tree was standing, not drying cracks formed in our care -- you can see this by the character of the cracks, the oxidation along them, and the fact that some are bark-filled. These cracks likely formed due to stress from high the winds we get down here in South Texas (hurricanes blow through Mesquite-country every few years, and Mesquite can be a particularly brittle hardwood). This block carries the history of what the tree experienced while growing in a challenging environment. The block is entirely Mesquite heartwood, a deep reddish-brown. There are very pretty swirling patterns in the grain. There is a LOT of material that is crack-free, so you could purchase this to work with the "clean" parts of the block. Or you could choose to fill the cracks with resin -- a black resin epoxy is gorgeous with Mesquite. I've taken lots of photos of this piece. I've discounted the block because of the cracks, but I do think it's wholly useable if you go the epoxy route. I hope you find joy in this one; it's got uniqueness and character aplenty! |