Macassar Ebony
Diospyros celebica
Genus: Diospyros · Family: Ebenaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
Asia
Avg. Dried Weight
69 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
2,780 lbf
Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Typical Color
Black
Stability
Medium
Outdoor Suitability
Fair
Workability
Difficult
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Appendix II
IUCN
Vulnerable
Did You Know?
- •Macassar Ebony is harder than 89% of the 137 species in our database.
- •At 69 lb/ft³, Macassar Ebony is denser than water and will sink when submerged.
- •Macassar Ebony is listed under CITES, which means international trade is regulated. Always verify legal sourcing and documentation before purchasing.
Janka Hardness Scale
Very Hard
Overview
Professional Summary
Macassar Ebony (Diospyros celebica) is one of the most visually striking woods in the world, featuring dramatic black and brown striping. Unlike Ceylon Ebony's uniform black, Macassar displays bold contrasting streaks that make it highly sought after for decorative veneers, fine furniture, and musical instruments.
In Plain English
Macassar Ebony is the striped cousin of pure black Ebony — featuring stunning dark brown and jet-black stripes. It's one of the most eye-catching woods in existence, used for high-end furniture, guitars, and decorative work. Rare and increasingly regulated.
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
Prized for decorative veneer, fine furniture accents, musical instrument components, knife handles, and turned objects.
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.
CITES Appendix II and IUCN Vulnerable. Very expensive and increasingly scarce. Dust is a known sensitizer.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
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Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar black color that are easily confused with Macassar Ebony. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
