Lacewood has a very unusual grain. In some circles its called leopard wood, which is probably more accurate. The spotted grain has a 3-D effect that pops and hides as you turn it in the light. This wood is EXTREMELY hard and relatively heavy. You could probably use this fly box for self defense in a pinch LOL. My traditional rippled cork inserts, brass hinges and rare earth magnet closure rounds this beauty out as a spectacular addition to anyone's collection. And as always, its finished with many coats of oil base polyurethane for long lasting durability.