Colorimetry of wood specimens from French Guiana

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 D₆₅, 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^*.