Stunning piece of yew that had cracked before I turned it, I think this adds to the beauty and really shows off just how natural wooden items are. Yew Sapwood is usually a thin band of pale yellow or tan color, while the heartwood is an orangish brown, sometimes with a darker brown or purplish hue. Color tends to darken with age.The pictures show off the cracks and how well they work with the finish. These candle holders will take normal tlight candles but I supply and recommend LED battery operated candles.