Ebony (Diospyros spp.) is comprised about 200 species but only a few are commercially available. The color varies from nonuniform to a uniform black. The uniform jet-black wood is Gaboon Ebony (D. crassiflora). The nonuniform ebony with varying amounts of light and dark wood is commonly referred to as “Macassar” ebony, although the same label is used for different Diospyros species.
The wood is very fine textured, very hard and heavy (averaging about 63 pounds per cubic foot). In small dimensions the wood seasons rapidly and easily, but it has a tendency toward splitting and distortion (warp and side-bend). Wider pieces are more subject to surface checking.
Because of the hardness of the wood, it is best worked with metal working equipment. Ebony is a specialty item wood and is used primarily for small parts of musical instruments, carvings, and other turned items.
