This beats the heck out of burning a piece of wood — especially with the figure I found in this one. Lots of spalting and being a piece of crotch wood it has very pronounced dark heart wood on multiple faces. I left it a bit thick because the bottom was a little soft and I was apprehensive about losing the piece. I’m pretty sure it is walnut with a whole lot of sap wood. I also like the lopsided rim. I could have brought it all in on itself but it wouldn’t have the same effect.