A stunning combination of mesquite burl with turquoise, Chrysocolla and copper inlay blended to create a unique sofa table. The copper is small pieces, one of which has started oxidation, and also copper powder mixed with epoxy to fill some of the voids. The table is 44” in length, 17” at its widest point and 29” high.

There are over forty types of mesquites “Prosopis glandulos”. It is native to the deserts in the southwest United States and northeastern Mexico. Mesquite is dense, close-grained, very hard and heavy. The wood has swirling grain and ranges in color from a deep brown to honey and red with lighter or pale sapwood. The burl is a growth on the side, root or base of the tree. It occurs when the tree has been traumatized and injured. It is the tree’s way of trying to heal itself. This mesquite burl was urban logged in the phone area.

 Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum that is a green to blue mineral. The ancient Greeks called it “callais” but the word turquoise is French “tuquois” meaning Turkish; Turkey is where it was first brought from to Europe. A significant amount of turquoise was mined in Arizona where there were numerous rich veins.

Chyrsocolla, the inlay, is a hydrated phyllosilicate mineral. It comes from Greek chrysos meaning ‘gold’ and kola ‘glue’ although its color is typically a combination of blue and green. Chyrsocolla is found in the United States in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico. Michigan, Pennsylvania and Idaho. The Chyrsocolla used in this table is from Arizona.

Copper is found in multiple states in the U.S. including Utah, Arizona, Montana, Michigan and New Mexico. Copper is very malleable and has a beautiful reddish-brown color that accents the mesquite. The greenish blue in the copper comes from oxidation.  

The finish contains three coats of jojoba oil; sanded after each coat. Jojoba oil brings out the unique characteristics of the mesquite burl. To maintain the beauty of the mesquite burl avoid using cleaning solutions instead use water in a damp rag. Remove the excess moisture with a clean towel. For polishing a beeswax solution such as Howard Orange or Lemon Oil is good. Just follow the directions from the manufacturer. Questions, you can call 206-679-4084.