Not to sure on the type of wood, I got it on ebay, I am guessing it has a lot of sap. I have been boiling it all day and it still is turning the water a deep brown color. I am trying to get it out as soon as possible because I would like to use it, but I am thinking it might be a better idea to let it soak for a long time and just buy another piece that is more cured. It must not have been in water very long, because the outside looks like drift wood, but it is really heavy and the heartwood is still really fresh.