Colorimetry of wood specimens from French Guiana

The color of 97 species of wood specimens from French Guiana was measured o n their radial and tangential surfaces with a colorimeter. We obtained the tristimulus values of X, Y, and Z of the 10 degrees 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 negati ve correlations against L*. These results imply that wood color should be d iscussed by separating wood specimens into the high-and low-lightness group s. A good positive correlation was found between the L* and h throughout th e 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 rela tion with L*.