Wood rings

Ironwood is a blanket term for various ultra-dense hardwoods (like Ipe, Lignum Vitae, or Desert Ironwood) primarily from tropical regions. It is globally recognized as one of the hardest, heaviest, and strongest woods on Earth, often with a very high Janka hardness rating. It typically features dark brown to olive-green or reddish-brown coloration. Its extreme density makes it exceptionally resistant to rot, insects, and decay, making it the top choice for heavy-duty exterior construction, decking (boardwalks), tool handles, and small, highly durable decorative items. It is often difficult to work with due to its density. 

Black Walnut is a highly valued North American hardwood known for its rich chocolate-to-deep-brown color and straight grain. It is prized for its stability and ease of working, making it the premier choice for high-end furniture, cabinetry, and gunstocks. It tends to lighten slightly over time. 

Purpleheart is an extremely dense, exotic South American hardwood famed for turning a vibrant purple after being exposed to air and light. It is one of the hardest woods available, offering exceptional durability and resistance to water and insects. It's often used for heavy-duty decking, industrial flooring, and highly decorative accents like inlays and turning. 

Tigerwood is an exotic South American hardwood defined by its dramatic dark stripes against a golden-brown background. It is an extremely dense and durable wood, offering excellent resistance to insects and moisture. It is most valued for high-traffic exterior decking and flooring due to its hardness and visual impact.

Padauk is an exotic African or Asian hardwood famous for its vibrant reddish-orange to vermilion color when freshly cut. It is a strong, dense, and durable wood highly favored for high-end furniture, musical instruments (due to its acoustic properties), and decorative turning. The color will naturally darken over time due to UV light and oxidation, mellowing into a rich, darker reddish-brown.