Gabon Ebony
Scientific name: Diospyros crassiflora
Overview
Gabon Ebony is one of the most well-known and commercially important ebony species, native to Central and West Africa. Renowned for its deep black coloration and exceptional density, it has long been used in fine woodworking, musical instruments, and decorative applications.
Its combination of hardness, fine texture, and visual uniformity places it among the most premium hardwoods in the world.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Gabon Ebony
- Scientific Name: Diospyros crassiflora
- Region: African Hardwoods (Central & West Africa)
- Tree Size: 60–90 ft tall, 1–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 65 lbs/ft³ (1,040 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 3,220 lbf
- Color: Deep black, occasionally with dark brown streaks
- Grain: Straight to slightly irregular
- Texture: Very fine and uniform
Identification Characteristics
Gabon Ebony is most easily identified by its nearly jet-black heartwood and extremely fine, smooth texture. The wood is typically very dense and heavy, with a subtle luster when finished.
Some pieces may show faint brown streaking, though high-grade material is often uniformly black.
Key identification traits include:
- Deep black heartwood
- Very fine, smooth texture
- High density and weight
- Minimal visible grain
Working Properties
Despite its hardness, Gabon Ebony can be worked successfully with proper tools and techniques.
- Machines cleanly but can be difficult due to density
- Turns exceptionally well
- Glues with care (oily surface may require prep)
- Sands to a very high polish
- Can cause tool wear due to hardness
Safety Note
Dust from ebony species may cause skin and respiratory irritation. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended.
Common Uses
Gabon Ebony is used in high-end applications where density, durability, and appearance are critical.
- Musical instruments (fingerboards, piano keys, woodwind instruments)
- Fine furniture and inlays
- Turned objects and carvings
- Decorative veneers
- Tool handles and specialty items
Sustainability & Notes
Gabon Ebony is listed under CITES Appendix II, meaning international trade is regulated. Overharvesting and slow growth rates have contributed to supply concerns.
Responsible sourcing and certified suppliers are strongly recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
African Blackwood – Extremely dense and oily, often used in precision musical instruments and known for its exceptional durability.
Macassar Ebony – A visually striking ebony species featuring bold dark and light striping, commonly used in decorative veneers.
Mun Ebony – A related ebony species that often displays more brown tones and less uniform coloration than Gabon Ebony.
Related Guides
Understanding CITES & Protected Species
Explains the international regulations governing ebony species and responsible sourcing practices.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Provides context for how Gabon Ebony ranks among the hardest and densest woods in the world.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Offers practical techniques for working with extremely dense species like ebony.
Wenge vs. Ebony
Explore Wenge vs. Ebony to compare dark exotic hardwoods in color, density, hardness, workability, and high-end woodworking applications.
Best Woods for Guitar Building
Explore Best Woods for Guitar Building to see how this species can be used in instrument construction and how it compares with other important tonewoods.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Gabon Ebony is one of the most sought-after species in wood collections due to its unmistakable appearance and historical significance. True jet-black material with minimal streaking is particularly prized, especially when properly dried and free of checking.
Because of its density and slow growth, large, defect-free pieces are increasingly rare. Collectors often value smaller, high-quality samples that clearly exhibit the deep black coloration and fine texture characteristic of the species.
Video Overview
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• SKIL 5-Inch Random Orbital Sander with Cyclonic Dust Box for smooth surface preparation and finish sanding
https://amzn.to/4uZgf2l
• The Complete Manual of Woodworking for detailed guidance on woodworking design, techniques, and tools
https://amzn.to/4uX3nd5
• 10-Inch 120-Tooth Fine-Finish Woodworking Saw Blade for clean, precise cuts in hardwoods and finish materials
https://amzn.to/4fpeSVU
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