Gabon Ebony
Diospyros crassiflora • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight or sometimes irregular with a very fine, even texture. The grain is typically so dense that detail is difficult to see without magnification.
Color Description
Heartwood is usually jet-black, with little to no discernible grain. Occasionally with dark brown or grayish streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow and is clearly demarcated from heartwood. It maintains its deep black color over time, though it may lose luster if not maintained.
Hardness Rating
3,220 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to termites and other insects, though rarely used in applications where rot resistance is tested due to high value.
Common Uses
Musical instrument parts (piano keys, fingerboards, bridge pins), pool cues, carvings, knife handles, luxury turned objects, and ornamental jewelry.
Geographic Origin
Equatorial West Africa (primarily Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$100.00 to $150.00 per board foot. It is among the most expensive woods in the world.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be modern finished beads (likely 1-5 years old) with a polished patina consistent with light handling.
Sustainability Status
Endangered. Listed on the IUCN Red List and CITES Appendix II. FSC certification is available but rare. Highly regulated due to over-exploitation.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand or machine tools due to extreme density and hardness. Has a significant dulling effect on cutters. It can be brittle and prone to splitting during nailing or screwing. Glues well and finishes to a very high natural luster.
Notable Features
Extremely high density (it sinks in water). Characterized by a metallic clink when struck. It has a faint, slightly unpleasant odor when being worked and can cause skin irritation/sensitization in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Responds best to fine sanding and buffing with wax or light oils. High-gloss lacquers are possible but often unnecessary given the wood's natural ability to take a high polish. No grain filler is required.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The uniform jet-black color, high luster when polished, and the characteristic fine cracks (checking) visible on some beads in the image are hallmarks of Diospyros species.