Ebony
Diospyros ebenum
Genus: Diospyros · Family: Ebenaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
Asia
Avg. Dried Weight
73 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
3,080 lbf
Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Typical Color
Black
Stability
High
Outdoor Suitability
Good
Workability
Difficult
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Appendix II
IUCN
Endangered
Did You Know?
- •Ebony is harder than 93% of all species in our database — one of the hardest woods commercially available.
- •At 73 lb/ft³, Ebony is denser than water and will sink when submerged.
- •Ebony is listed under CITES, which means international trade is regulated. Always verify legal sourcing and documentation before purchasing.
Janka Hardness Scale
Extremely Hard
Overview
Professional Summary
Ceylon Ebony (Diospyros ebenum) is one of the most prized species in the Diospyros genus, producing jet-black heartwood with fine, uniform texture and a Janka hardness of 3,080 lbf. Native to southern India and Sri Lanka, it has been the standard for piano keys, fingerboards, chess pieces, and inlay work for centuries. It is one of the densest and most expensive commonly referenced hardwoods.
In Plain English
Ceylon Ebony is the iconic black wood — jet-black, incredibly hard, and polishes like stone. Native to India and Sri Lanka, it's been used for piano keys and chess pieces for centuries. Today it's very rare and expensive, but nothing else matches its pure black color and silky-smooth feel.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
The standard for piano keys, guitar fingerboards, violin pegs, chess pieces, inlays, and any application requiring pure black wood.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Extremely expensive ($80-150+/bf). CITES regulated. Brittle — prone to cracking. Small dimensions only. Dust is a sensitizer.
Native Distribution
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Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar black color that are easily confused with Ebony. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.