Characteristics: Spalting is a unique process which occurs as decaying logs are attacked by fungi. Any wood is susceptible to spalting, but maple is the most commonly known. The spalting process results in the characteristic "spalting lines," which look almost like the wood was drawn on with a pen. Spalted Maple has all the same characteristics of the species that is used; in this case both hard and soft maple. Common Uses: Furniture - turnery - musical instruments - fine woodwork. Working Properties: See "Hard Maple" and "Soft Maple". Because of the fungus that causes "spalting" protective breating equipment and ventilation is highly recommended when working with this wood. Common Name: Spalted Maple Tree is Native To: Canada and USA. Botanical Classification: Acer Rubrum, A. Saccharium, A. Saccharum and A. Nigrum Family: Aceraceae Average Dried Weight: 34-45 lb/ft. (Depending on species) Average Specific Gravity: .55-.72 (Depending on species)