Gabon Ebony
Diospyros crassiflora • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight or sometimes interlocked with a very fine, even texture and high natural luster.
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 the heartwood.
Hardness Rating
3,080 lbf - Extremely Hard
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is very resistant to decay and also moderately resistant to termites and other insects.
Common Uses
Piano keys, musical instrument parts (fretboards, bridges, pegs), pool cues, carvings, knife handles, and inlay work.
Geographic Origin
Equatorial Western Africa (Gabon, Cameroon, Congo, Nigeria).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$100.00 - $150.00 per board foot (often sold by weight or piece due to high value).
Wood Age Estimate
Unknown; wood sample appears to be a modern kiln-dried turning blank with minimal oxidation or wear.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Endangered; CITES Appendix II (as part of the Diospyros genus from Madagascar, though this species is mostly from mainland Africa).
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. Has a pronounced dulling effect on cutters. Potential for tearout on pieces with interlocked grain. Glues well and finishes to a very high natural polish.
Notable Features
Extremely dense (sinks in water); fine dust can be a skin/eye irritant; holds detail exceptionally well for carving.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with wax or thin oils to preserve the natural tactile feel. Can be buffed to a high gloss without any finish due to high oil content.
Identification Confidence
High; the jet-black color, lack of visible large pores, and uniform texture are hallmark characteristics of Gabon Ebony.