Gaboon Ebony Turning Blanks

Gaboon Ebony Specs

Scientific Name

Diospyros crassiflora

Common Name(s)

Gaboon Ebony, African Ebony, Nigerian Ebony, Cameroon Ebony

Distribution

Equatorial West Africa

Average Dried Weight

60 lbs/ft3 (955 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity

Basic: .82, 12% MC: .96

Janka Hardness

3,080 lbf (13,700 N)

Modulus of Rupture

22,930 lbf/in2 (158.1 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

2,449,000 lbf/in2 (16.89 GPa)

Crushing Strength

11,060 lbf/in2 (76.3 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 8.3%, Tangential: 11.2%, Volumetric: 19.6%, T/R Ratio: 1.3

Appearance

Heartwood is usually jet-black, with little to no variation or visible grain. Occasionally dark brown or grayish-brown streaks may be present.

Texture

Grain is usually straight but can also be interlocked. Fine even texture with very high natural luster. Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; medium to large pores in no specific arrangement, few; solitary and radial multiples of 2-3; black mineral deposits present; growth rings indistinct; rays not visible without lens; parenchyma reticulate/banded, possibly marginal, apotracheal parenchyma diffuse-in-aggregates, paratracheal parenchyma vasicentric.

Rot Resistance

Ebony is rated as being very durable, with good resistance to termites and other insects.

Workability

Can be difficult to work due to its extremely high density. Has a dulling effect on cutters. Tearout may occur on pieces that have interlocked or irregular grain. Due to the high oil content found in this wood, it can occasionally cause problems with gluing. Finishes well, and polishes to a high luster. Responds well to steam bending.

Odor

Ebony has a mild, slightly unpleasant odor when being worked.

Allergies/Toxicity

Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Ebony in the Diospyros genus has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye, skin, and respiratory irritation.

Pricing/Availability

Gaboon Ebony is among the most expensive of all available lumbers: usually about two to three times more expensive than most species of Rosewood. The small size of the tree, and its high demand for ornamental work may contribute to its seemingly outlandish price.

Sustainability

This wood species is in CITES Appendix II (for Diospyros species from Madagascar), and is on the IUCN Red List. It is listed as endangered due to a population reduction of over 50% in the past three generations, caused by exploitation.

Common Uses

Small/ornamental items, such as piano keys, musical instrument parts, pool cues, carvings, and other small specialty items.

Comments

So named because historically most of the wood was exported from the nation of Gabon, though today it’s much more likely to be sourced from Cameroon. There’s no mistaking Gaboon Ebony as there are few woods that are deep and solid black (unless dyed), and even most species in the Diospyros genus aren’t black. Other types of ebony include: Macassar (striped) Ebony, and Black and White Ebony. African Blackwood is very similar in density, color, and (unfortunately) cost, but is technically in the Dalbergia genus and isn’t considered a true ebony. Wenge and Katalox are two woods that are sometimes used as an ebony substitute. The wood is exceptionally dense, strong, and stiff, though it is considered to have moderate to poor stability through seasonal changes.

Gaboon Ebony Turning Blank Prices

2″ x 2″ x 12″ Gaboon Ebony Turning Blank

$49.00

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1.5″ x 1.5″ x 12″ Gaboon Ebony Turning Blank

$50.23

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1.5″ x 1.5″ x 18″ Gaboon Ebony Turning Blank

$75.35

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