Macassar Ebony
Diospyros celebica · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia
- Hardness
- 2,300 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable against decay and resistant to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular, with striking contrasting dark brown and yellowish-brown stripes and cathedral figure near the edge.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically yellowish-brown with dramatic black or dark brown stripes, streaks, or figures. Sapwood is a distinct pale yellowish-white. Has a natural medium luster.
Hardness (Janka)
2,300 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable against decay and resistant to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 30.00 to 60.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Cannot be precisely determined from visual inspection alone, appears to be a modern kiln-dried board.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on CITES Appendix II and on the IUCN Red List as vulnerable due to overexploitation.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (fingerboards, guitar parts), turnings, and decorative veneer.
Geographic Origin
Sulawesi (Celebes), Indonesia
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. Blunting effect on cutting edges is high. Glues and finishes well, but pre-boring is recommended for nailing and screwing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes a high natural polish well. Oils, lacquers, and shellac are appropriate, but care must be taken with oily surfaces.
Notable Features
Contains natural oils that can sometimes interfere with gluing and finishing; dense and heavy with high natural contrast.
