African Ebony
Diospyros crassiflora • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Typically straight to slightly interlocked with a very fine, even texture; high natural luster. Large growth rings are generally absent or indiscernible.
Color Description
Heartwood is usually jet-black with little to no visible grain. Sapwood is pale yellowish-white, clearly demarcated from heartwood. It maintains its deep black color over time but can gray if exposed to heavy UV without protection.
Hardness Rating
3,220 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to termites and rot, though its primary value leads it to be used indoors where durability is less of a concern than stability.
Common Uses
Piano keys, fingerboards for stringed instruments (violins, guitars), billiard cues, carvings, turned objects, and high-end cabinetry inlays.
Geographic Origin
West and Central Africa (primarily Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$100.00 to $150.00 per board foot (extremely expensive, often sold by weight)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern harvest likely; it shows a clean jet-black finish typical of kiln-dried or stabilized commercial stock without traditional patina or oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Endangered. Listed on the IUCN Red List and CITES Appendix II. FSC certified sources are rare but exist under strict regulation.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. Has a high dulling effect on cutters. Hard to glue due to high natural oil content. Polishes to a very high natural luster.
Notable Features
Extremely heavy (sinks in water); one of the most expensive woods in the world. Dust can be a potent skin and respiratory irritant for some users.
Finish Recommendations
Usually left natural or finished with clear wax or oil to highlight the deep black color. Does not require heavy film finishes because it polishes so well on its own.
Identification Confidence
High. The uniform pitch-black color with a fine texture and high luster is characteristic of Diospyros crassiflora, distinguishing it from stained woods or lower-grade ebonies.