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: 6
Number of individual trees analyzed: 6
Number of specimens: 15
Number of measurements: 48
Max PZC read (of all measurements): 19.7
Min PZC read (of all measurements): 12.9
Max PZC average on one log: 17.5
Min PZC average on one log: 14.1
PZC Average of all logs: 15.8

Species: terminalia superba
Family: Combretaceae
Clade: Angiospermae
Description: Terminalia superba is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree, up to 50m tall, with a straight trunk and an open, spreading crown. It features large, obovate leaves, small greenish-white flowers, and distinctive winged, yellowish-brown fruits. The bark is typically grey and scaly.
Other Local Names: Azinii, Akom, Afara, Fraké, Korina, Limbo, Noyer du Mayombe, Fraké, Akom, Ofram, Akom, Afara, White afara, N’ganga, Afara, Kojagei

Reference Colour: Light yellow
Texture: Medium
Grain: Straight or interlocked
Interlocked Grain: Slight
Notes: Some logs have a black greyish heartwood, more or less veined (veined Fraké or multicoloured Fraké).

Diameter: 60÷100cm
Density @12% MC: 540kg/m³
Janka Hardness: 720lbf
Crushing Strength @12%MC: 47MPa
Static Bending Strength @12%MC: 80MPa
Longitudinal Modulus of Elasticity E: 11.75GPa
Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient: 0.42% per %
Total Tangential Shrinkage TS: 6.1%
Total Radial Shrinkage TS: 4.3%
T/R Anisotropy Ratio: 1.4-
Fibre Saturation Point: 28%
Thermal Conductivity: 0.19W/mk
Lower Heating Value: 18410KJ/Kg
Sapwood Demarcation: Not demarcated

Resistance to Decay: Class 4 – poorly durable
Resistance to Dry Wood Borers: Class S – susceptible (risk in all the wood)
Resistance to Termites: Class S – susceptible
Treatability: Class 2 – moderately treatable.
Use Class Covered by Natural Durability: Class 1 – inside (no risk of dampness) Atlas of Tropical Timber Species LIMBA / AFARA*
Durability Notes: This species is listed in the NF EN 350 standard. Treating the wood is sometimes difficult due to a variable permeability.

Log Buoyancy: Floats
Log Conservation: Low (treatment necessary)
Drying Rate: Rapid to normal
Drying Risk of Distortion: No risk or very slight risk
Drying Risk of Case Hardening: No known specific risk
Drying Risk of Checking: No risk or very slight risk

Blunting Effect: Variable
Machining Tool: Ordinary
Suitability for Peeling: Good
Suitability for Slicing: Good
Sawing Machining Notes: Internal stresses in some logs (usually timber from plantations). Sometimes, blunting effect quite high.
Assembly Nailing Screwing: Good
Additional Notes: Sawdust may cause allergic reactions during machining
End Uses: Coffins, Framing, Boxes and crates, Veneer for back or face of plywood, Panelling, Glued Laminated, Exterior joinery, Blockboard, Interior joinery, Fibre or particle boards, Built-in furniture or mobile item, Sliced veneer, Moulding, Seats, House framing, Marquetry

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