Hey Larry I have an appreciation for the figured woods too. The Spalted Maple you asked about is a lovely figured wood too, basically a soft light cream color with linear runs of black and some patches of gray and even a slightly washed soft pinkish red. This all comes from the fungi that has invaded the wood, technically it is rotting but beautiful! I have a few slices of it that I have saved.

The 'Burl' that was used by Culin here comes from those large growth bulges you find on the sides of trees. They can get quite large and are dream of a piece of wood for those that make bowls and other wooden utensils as well as of course revolver grips! Next time you wander through the woods keep your eyes peeled, take a battery powered chain saw and shave one off!

By the way those burls and dyes are simply stunning that Culina did, wow!
Karl