I had no idea what mesquite looked like but have googled it and see that it is not dark at all. Walnut is a dramatic dark brown heading toward purple.

Black walnut has a very distinct smell when cut on a table saw or burned. Smells similar to cocoa, or an expensive coffee. My favorite wood to work.

Thanks! I agree with you chase and tom.

1. The 1st link below will show the mesquite has a distinct larger brown heart with less lighter outer ring.

2. The 2nd link will show some of the variations of black walnut, including "toward purple" and thicker outer lighter ring. I agree on the smell when working furniture grade wood vs this green tree.

3. The distinct grain in the knotted area is what resisted splitting snapped off the wedge onto my finger. This knotted wood was trash in some shops and my free favorite for small bowl, bases and etc.

4. I'll question my portion's use, presently cut/split small and short to season as firewood or smoking.

loger