East Indian Ebony

EAST INDIAN EBONY (Diospyros ebenum)

Common Names : Ébénier d’Asie, Ébénier vrai, Kaluwara, Ceylon Ebony, East Indian Ebony

Distribution:  Southeast Asia

Color/Appearance : Heartwood is a jet black, sometimes with grey or dark brown streaks. Pale yellow sapwood is clearly demarcated from heartwood. Ironically, the very best quality ebony looks like black plastic.

 Janka hardness : 2430 lbf

Density : 4.75 lb/lbf

Shrinkage: 1

Radial (thickness): 5.4%

Tangential (width): 8.8%

Volumetric (total): 14.3%

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.6

Allergies/toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Ebony in the Diospyros genus has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye, skin, and respiratory irritation.

Controlled species : CITES : No, l’IUCN : Yes

Common uses : Inlay, carving, musical instrument parts (piano keys, bridges, nuts, etc.), and turned objects.