Chatoyance was measured by the chatometry.com team using the PZC method. The statistics for this specific timber are hereby summarized to provide an evaluation of data robustness:
Number of sources for samples: 7
Number of individual trees analyzed: 7
Number of specimens: 12
Number of measurements: 39
Max PZC read (of all measurements): 12.9
Min PZC read (of all measurements): 5.8
Max PZC average on one log: 12.0
Min PZC average on one log: 7.6
PZC Average of all logs: 9.3

Species: lophira spp.
Family: Sapotaceae
Clade: Angiospermae
Description: Lophira species are large, evergreen tropical African trees with leathery, dark green leaves often clustered at branch tips. They produce fragrant, yellowish-white flowers and distinctive, large, reddish-brown winged fruits.
Other Local Names: Bongossi, Bonkole, Éki, Bongossi, Okoka, Bonkolé, Ekki, Akoga, Kaku, Akoga, Eba, Ekki, Kofyo, Ekki, Hendui

Reference Colour: Dark red
Texture: Coarse
Grain: Interlocked grain
Interlocked Grain: Marked
Notes: Dark red to purple brown wood. Intermediate zone between sapwood and heartwood. White deposits in the pores.

Diameter: 60÷100cm
Density @12% MC: 1060kg/m³
Janka Hardness: 3210lbf
Crushing Strength @12%MC: 96MPa
Static Bending Strength @12%MC: 162MPa
Longitudinal Modulus of Elasticity E: 21.42GPa
Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient: 0.69% per %
Total Tangential Shrinkage TS: 10.3%
Total Radial Shrinkage TS: 7.3%
T/R Anisotropy Ratio: 1.4-
Fibre Saturation Point: 28%
Thermal Conductivity: 0.34W/mk
Lower Heating Value: 19590KJ/Kg
Sapwood Thickness: 2÷4cm
Sapwood Demarcation: Clearly demarcated

Resistance to Decay: Class 2 – durable
Resistance to Dry Wood Borers: Class D – durable (sapwood demarcated, risk limited to sapwood)
Resistance to Termites: Class D – durable
Treatability: Class 4 – non-treatable
Use Class Covered by Natural Durability: Class 4 – in ground or fresh water contact AZOBÉ / EKKI*
Durability Notes: This species is listed in the NF EN 350 standard. Transitional wood has a variable durability. Good resistance to marine borers in temperate water but moderate resistance in tropical water. This species is thus considered as “moderately durable” for marine borers and covers the use class 5 only when used in temperate or cold salt water, sea water or brackish water. According to the European standard NF EN 335 of May 2013, performance length might be modified by conditions in which it is used.

Log Buoyancy: Does not float
Log Conservation: Good

Sawing Machining Notes: Log turning sawing recommended (internal stresses). Some difficulties in planing due to interlocked grain.
Assembly Notes: Very high specific gravity: important that gluing be performed in compliance with the code of practice and instructions for the glue used.
Additional Notes: In permanent humidification, transition wood must be eliminated. Resistant to one or, several acids
End Uses: Heavy carpentry, Bridges (parts in contact with water or, Stairs (inside) ground), Vehicle or container flooring, Bridges (parts not in contact with water, or ground), House framing, Cooperage, Industrial or heavy flooring, Hydraulic works (fresh water), Stakes, Hydraulic works (seawater), Decking, Sleepers, Poles

Source 1: Tropical Timber Atlas, Editions Quae, e-ISBN 978-2-7592-2770-9