Gabon Ebony
Gabon Ebony (Diospyros crassiflora)
Common names : African ebony, West African ebony, and Benin ebony
Distribution:Western Africa, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Nigeria
Color/appearance : Heartwood is usually jet-black, with little to no variation or visible grain. Occasionally dark brown or grayish-brown streaks may be present.
Janka hardness : 3080 lbf
Density : 5.0 lb./p.m.p.
Shrinkage: 1
Radial (thickness): 8.3%
Tangential (width): 11.2%,
Volumetric (total): 19.6%,
T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.3
Allergies/Toxicity Ebony in the Diospyros genus has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye, skin, and respiratory irritation.
Sustainability : CITES: yes, IUCN: yes
Common uses : sculptures, carvings, walking sticks, pool cues, doorknobs, tool and knife handles, gun grips, the black keys on pianos, organ-stops, guitar fingerboards and bridges, and chess pieces. It is the wood of choice for the fingerboards, tailpieces, and tuning pegs used on all orchestral stringed instruments, including violins, violas, cellos, and double basses
