Rays are easily seen in some woods, as shown in the pictures at the right.
However, in softwoods and most hardwoods, you can’t see rays without magnification.
Take a look at the picture of red oak on the left. This picture is magnified 12 times it's actual size. You can easily see the long, orangish rays in this piece of wood now, but you couldn't have seen them without magnification! You can click on this photo to get a closer look.
Although you can't always see rays with the naked eye, you can often see discolorations in the wood which are caused by rays.
The dark flecks in the piece of beech on the right are caused by rays. Click on the photo to get a closer look.
The lighter areas in the piece of oak on the left are also caused by rays. Click on the photo to get a closer look.
Xylem
WOOD PARTS AND ANATOMY
