Gaboon Ebony
Diospyros crassiflora • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can sometimes be interlocked; fine, uniform texture with a high natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood is usually jet-black, with little to no discernible grain or growth rings. Occasionally, dark brown or grayish streaks may be present. Sapwood is pale yellow and clearly demarcated.
Hardness Rating
3,080 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to termite attack and rot, though rarely used in outdoor applications due to cost.
Common Uses
Musical instrument components (piano keys, fingerboards), decorative cabinetry, inlay, turned objects, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Equatorial West Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, Congo)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$100.00 - $150.00 per board foot (Highly dependent on jet-black quality)
Wood Age Estimate
Indeterminable from image due to lack of visible growth rings and surface texture detail.
Sustainability Status
Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List); listed in CITES Appendix II. Trade is strictly regulated.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. Can have a dulling effect on cutters. Glues well, but tends to split when nailing or screwing; polishes to a very high natural sheen.
Notable Features
Extremely heavy wood that sinks in water. Known for its distinct lack of visible grain and its metallic ring when struck. Dust can be a potent skin and eye irritant.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss buffing with wax is often sufficient; clear lacquer or thin cyanoacrylate (CA) finishes are common for small items to preserve the deep black color.
Identification Confidence
Low; the provided image is out of focus and lacks sufficient lighting or macro detail to confirm cellular structure, though the uniform dark tone is consistent with Ebony.