Gaboon Ebony
Diospyros darris • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight or occasionally irregular/interlocked with a very fine, even texture and high natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood is usually jet-black with little to no visible grain or contrast; sapwood is pale yellow and is clearly demarcated from heartwood.
Hardness Rating
3,220 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to termite attack and rot, though rarely used in ground-contact applications due to value.
Common Uses
Piano keys, musical instrument parts (fingerboards, bridge pins), pool cues, knife handles, inlay work, and fine carvings.
Geographic Origin
Equatorial West Africa (primarily Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$100 to $150 per board foot; often sold by weight or in small turning blanks due to high cost.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut based on the clean edges and lack of significant oxidation or surface checking, likely harvested within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Endangered; listed on the IUCN Red List and CITES Appendix II due to over-exploitation and habitat loss.
Workability
Extremely difficult to work with hand tools due to density; has a significant dulling effect on cutters. Hard to glue and can split during nailing or screwing.
Notable Features
Extremely dense (sinks in water); fine dust can be a potent skin and respiratory irritant; features a distinctive metallic ring when struck.
Finish Recommendations
Responds best to high-grit sanding and buffing until it shines naturally; clear wax or oils are recommended; film finishes may peel due to natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High. The uniform jet-black color, extreme density, and fine texture are diagnostic features of high-grade Gaboon Ebony.