Colorimetry of wood specimens from French Guiana

Abstract

The color of 97 species of wood specimens from French Guiana was measured on their radial and tangential surfaces with a colorimeter. We obtained the tristimulus values of X, Y, and Z of the 10° standard observer under the illuminant of D ₆₅, and the values of the CIELAB color system, L ^*, a^*, b^*, C^*, and h. When the lightness index (L ^*) was <54, b ^*, C ^*, and h showed positive correlations against L ^*. When L ^* was >54, a ^* and C ^* showed negative correlations against L ^*. These results imply that wood color should be discussed by separating wood specimens into the high and low-lightness groups. A good positive correlation was found between the L ^* and h throughout the whole range of L ^*. It is thought that the value of h can be an important index, as can L ^*, for comparing of wood color because h shows a simple relation with L ^*.