Gaboon Ebony
Diospyros crassiflora · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Equatorial West Africa (Cameroon, Gabon, Nigeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea)
- Hardness
- 3,220 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to rot and termites, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
3,220 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; heartwood is highly resistant to rot and termites, though sapwood is susceptible to insect attack.
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.
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)
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.
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.
Notable Features
Extremely dense (sinks in water); has no characteristic odor when worked. Can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in some woodworkers.
