Gaboon Ebony
Diospyros crassiflora • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight but sometimes slightly interlocked with a very fine and even texture. The shown block displays a clear transition between heartwood and sapwood.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a uniform, jet black with very little to no visible grain. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white and is distinctly demarcated from the heartwood as seen in this sample.
Hardness Rating
3,220 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to rot and termites, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Piano keys, fingerboards for stringed instruments, fine furniture, turning (cues, pens, knobs), inlay work, and carvings.
Geographic Origin
Equatorial West Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea)
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
The sample appears modern/new stock based on the sharp machine cuts and lack of oxidation on the sapwood portion.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Endangered and CITES Appendix II. Trade is strictly regulated and FSC certified sources are highly encouraged.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme density and hardness. Has a significant dulling effect on cutters. Glues well but can crack if not pre-bored for fasteners. Picks up an incredible natural polish.
Notable Features
Extremely dense (sinks in water); has no characteristic odor when worked. Can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with high-grit sanding and buffing/waxing to showcase natural luster. Clear oils or shellac are excellent. Avoid thick film finishes that obscure texture.
Identification Confidence
High; the stark contrast between the jet-black heartwood and yellowish sapwood, combined with the dense grain structure, is characteristic of Diospyros species.