Mopani heartwood is medium to dark reddish brown, with black stripes. Color tends to darken with age. Mopani is generally considered to be difficult to work, mainly on account of its incredibly high density. Machining it has a severe blunting effect on cutters. Mopani is excellent for turned objects. Mopani is an often neglected and overlooked African hardwood, though its density and durability are virtually unrivaled. The wood is also said to have excellent acoustic properties, comparing similarly to African Blackwood, but at a more economical price. 1.5" x 1.5" x 12" Spindle Turning Blank.