African Blackwood
Scientific name: Dalbergia melanoxylon
Overview
African Blackwood is one of the densest and most valuable hardwoods in the world, native to East and Central Africa. Highly prized for its strength, stability, and fine texture, it is especially known for use in musical instruments and precision-crafted items.
Despite its name, it is not a true ebony, but its dark coloration and exceptional density often place it in the same category of premium woods.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: African Blackwood
- Scientific Name: Dalbergia melanoxylon
- Region: African Hardwoods (East & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 20–50 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 80 lbs/ft³ (1,280 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 3,670 lbf
- Color: Dark brown to nearly black, often with lighter streaks
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Very fine and uniform
Identification Characteristics
African Blackwood is recognized by its extremely high density, dark coloration, and fine, smooth texture. The wood often appears nearly black but may show subtle brown or purple undertones under light.
It is noticeably heavier than most hardwoods and has a naturally oily feel.
Key identification traits include:
- Very dark brown to black heartwood
- Extremely high density and weight
- Fine, smooth texture
- Subtle natural luster
Working Properties
African Blackwood is challenging to work due to its density but produces exceptional results when properly handled.
- Machines slowly but cleanly with sharp tools
- Turns extremely well and holds fine detail
- High natural oil content may affect gluing
- Finishes to a very smooth, polished surface
- Causes significant tool wear
Safety Note
Dust from African Blackwood may cause allergic reactions, including skin and respiratory irritation. Proper protective equipment is recommended.
Common Uses
African Blackwood is primarily used in applications requiring precision, durability, and fine detail.
- Musical instruments (clarinets, oboes, bagpipes)
- Turned objects and specialty carvings
- Knife handles and tool handles
- Inlays and fine decorative work
- High-end joinery components
Sustainability & Notes
African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) is listed under CITES Appendix II. Due to its slow growth and high demand, sustainable sourcing is critical.
Efforts are ongoing in some regions to establish managed plantations and conservation programs.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Gabon Ebony – Similar in appearance but less oily and slightly less dense, commonly used in fine woodworking and instruments.
Cocobolo – A dense rosewood species with higher oil content and more vibrant coloration.
Kingwood – A dense Dalbergia species with a purple-brown tone and fine texture used in luxury woodworking.
Related Guides
Understanding CITES & Protected Species
Explains trade restrictions and sourcing requirements for protected hardwoods like African Blackwood.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Provides techniques for working with extremely dense and oily species.
Best Woods for Knife Handles – Discover the best hardwoods for custom knife handles based on density, stability, durability, appearance, moisture resistance, and long-term performance.
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 Wood Turning
Explore Best Woods for Wood Turning to see how this species compares with other hardwoods for bowls, vessels, pens, handles, and decorative turned projects.
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
African Blackwood is one of the most highly regarded woods among collectors due to its extreme density and association with musical instrument craftsmanship. Pieces with consistent dark coloration and minimal defects are especially desirable.
Because usable sections of the tree are often small, larger clear pieces are rare. Well-documented samples with uniform texture and weight are valuable additions to reference collections.
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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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:
• WETOLS Corner Clamp for Woodworking
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• Worx Pegasus 2-in-1 Folding Work Table & Sawhorse
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• EZARC Countersink Drill Bit Set
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