On Tue, 11 Dec 2007 01:08:52 +1100, Ken
wrote:

The veneer on this table is all of the same wood. The pieces where the
grain is running parallel to the line of view appear darker than those
where the grain runs perpendicular to the line of view.

What is this effect called?

Ken Lipworth
Sydney

the wood was cut quartersawn, which makes the grain reflective like
fish scales.
with only one light source it hits the wood from only one direction
and creates the effect.
i don't know if it has a name, ask a photographer