Much like Ambrosia Maple and other forms of figured maple, Spalted Maple is technically not a specific species of Maple, but rather a general description of any type of Maple that has been allowed to begin initial stages of decay, and then subsequently dried (preventing further decay).
The partial decay, called spalting, gives the wood dark contrasting lines and streaks where fungus has begun to attack the wood. If the wood has been rescued from the spalting at the right time, the lumber should still be sound and usable, with little to no soft spots or rotten wood.
PLEASE NOTE - As with all natural materials there is some variation amongst pieces. The color swatches above are examples of and do not represent the colors or patterns of every piece or any piece in it's entirety. Mother Nature controls what is inside the wood and she hopes you will find beauty in them all. There is no bad piece only unrealized sculpture.
