Karelian Birch Burl

The tree is native to the Karelian region, which is located in the northern parts of  Finland. The Karelian Birch has a unique bark pattern that is created by irregular black diamond-shaped markings that contrast sharply against the light background of the bark. The tree grows in cold and humid climates, typically in areas with a temperate climate, such as the boreal forests of Finland and Estonia and Russia. Karelian Birch has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, where it is grown as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens.

The annual rings are wavelike and irregular, with brown curly-grained wood tissue cells often exhibiting a V pattern in the cross-sectional view. If this pattern continues evenly across the entire surface, the result is a starlike pattern (a.k.a. curly-grain blossom). The longitudinal section of the stem exhibits lenslike patterns. The wood of curly birch is dense and very heavy, when freshly felled it can rise to 930 kg/m³, and at 12% moisture approx. 700-730 kg/m³.

The Karelian Birch egg, also known as the Birch Egg, is a Fabergé egg, one of two Easter eggs made under the supervision of Peter Carl Fabergé in 1917 for the last Tsar of Russia Nicholas II. It was the second to last Fabergé egg made, before Constellation. The Karelian Birch egg was considered lost until 2001 when the Moscow collector, Alexander Ivanov, purchased it for his Russian National Museum. Despite the official name, this is a private collection. In 2009, Ivanov opened the Fabergé Museum in Baden-Baden, and the Birch Egg is now in that museum.

The price of Karelian Birch can vary widely depending on the factors mentioned previously. Here are some rough estimates based on current market prices.  For solid Karelian Birch lumber, prices can range from $10-$20 per board foot or more, depending on the size and quality of the lumber. Custom-made Karelian Birch products can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the size and complexity of the piece.

Karelian birch wood is highly valued for its beautiful and unique appearance, as well as its durability, strength, and lightweight properties. It is used in a wide range of products, including:

1. Furniture: Karelian birch wood is often used in high-end furniture making due to its beautiful, intricate patterns and durability. It is commonly used for cabinets, tables, chairs, and other pieces of furniture.
2. Decorative items: The wood of Karelian birch is also used in decorative items such as vases, picture frames, and other ornamental objects.
3. Flooring: Karelian birch wood is used for flooring due to its strength, hardness, and resistance to wear and tear.
4. Musical instruments: The wood of Karelian birch is used to make high-quality musical instruments, including guitars, violins, and pianos.
5. Veneers: Karelian birch wood is also used to create veneers for furniture and interior design projects.

Discover the timeless beauty of Karelian Birch wood at Curlybirchwood. Explore a stunning selection of wood blocks, blanks, and branches, showcasing the unique curly patterns that make Karelian Birch renowned. Each piece is crafted with precision, reflecting the natural elegance of this exceptional wood. Visit the site to bring the warmth of Karelian Birch into your creations.