It was made into shovels during World War 11 for use in London for picking up incendiaries dropped by German bombers. It was the only material that they didn't just burn through. It is extremely resistant to weathering. It comes an varying colors ranging from a light pink, to brown to virtually black. Furniture Grade veneers are usually brownish with a reddish tinge.
Grain ranges from quite prominent to reasonably straight.
Bubinga is a South African timber. It is available in either cross cut or crown cut. Bubinga is naturally a very pale timber with a light creamy color. It is stained to the deep translucent red pictured. When a light is shone onto the surface, it takes on a 3D like appearance where it looks like you could reach right into it.