Gaboon Ebony
Diospyros crassiflora • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight or slightly interlocked; very fine, even texture with a naturally high metallic luster when polished.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically jet-black with little to no discernible grain; occasionally features dark brown or grayish streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow and is clearly demarcated from heartwood.
Hardness Rating
3,080 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; very high resistance to termite attack and rot, though rarely used in outdoor applications due to cost.
Common Uses
Musical instrument components (piano keys, fingerboards, tuning pegs, tailpieces), pool cues, carving, inlay work, and small decorative turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Equatorial West Africa (primarily Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$100.00 - $150.00 per board foot; one of the most expensive woods in the world.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern production (post-2010); the finish and wear on the peg collars suggest a relatively new instrument or recent replacement parts.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered; CITES Appendix II listed. FSC certified sources are extremely limited and highly regulated.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness; has a pronounced dulling effect on cutters. Glues well but can be difficult to finish if oily patches are present.
Notable Features
Extremely dense and heavy (sinks in water); produces a distinct metallic 'tink' when struck; dust can be a potent skin and eye irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished by buffing to a high natural shine; takes wax and fine oils (like mineral or bore oil) exceptionally well. High-build film finishes are usually unnecessary.
Identification Confidence
High; the application (violin/viola tuning pegs), uniform jet-black color, and tight, fine-pored texture are characteristic of premium Ebony species.