African Ebony; Black Ebony

This wood comes from various species of the Diospyros genus, which are found in the coastal regions of East and West Africa. Diospyros has many different species that occur in different parts of the world. Their woods are generally referred to as ebony woods. African ebony has a density greater than that of water at 1.2 g/cm2.

Visually, the wood stands out due to its strong black-and-white contrast between the dark heartwood and the light sapwood, which is mainly used in instrument making (black piano keys) or for inlays. It is also used in high-quality interior design, for example in shipbuilding and aircraft construction. Since each trunk has a different grain pattern in the wood, the finished products are very individual.
Due to the hardness and silica in the wood, as well as its tendency to crack, mechanical processing is difficult. Sharp tools are always required. Screw and nail connections should be pre-drilled.
Careful and gentle drying is also necessary, as the wood is very prone to cracking.