Black and White Ebony
Scientific name: Diospyros malabarica
Overview
Black and White Ebony is a rare and visually striking hardwood native to parts of South and Southeast Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka. The wood is known for its dramatic contrast between pale cream sapwood and dark black streaking, creating a highly decorative appearance prized by collectors, woodturners, and fine craftsmen. While related to other ebony species, Black and White Ebony offers a lighter overall appearance with bold marbled patterns that make each piece unique.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Black and White Ebony
- Scientific Name: Diospyros malabarica
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 50–80 ft tall, 2–3 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 60 lbs/ft³ (960 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,540 lbf
- Color: Cream, tan, gray, and black streaking
- Grain: Irregular to interlocked
- Texture: Fine and smooth
Identification Characteristics
Black and White Ebony is recognized for its highly contrasting coloration and irregular marbled appearance. Unlike traditional jet-black ebony species, this wood often displays a mixture of cream, gray, tan, and black striping throughout the board. The dramatic visual contrast gives it a unique decorative appeal highly valued in specialty woodworking and collector markets.
Key identification traits include:
- Cream to tan background coloration
- Dark black streaking and marbling
- Fine, smooth natural texture
- Dense and heavy structure
Working Properties
Black and White Ebony can be difficult to machine due to its high density and interlocked grain. Sharp tools are recommended to minimize tearout and burning. Despite its hardness, the wood can achieve an exceptional polished finish.
- Difficult to machine due to density
- Can produce tearout in figured sections
- Turns and polishes extremely well
- Excellent natural luster when finished
Safety Note
Wood dust may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Use proper dust collection and respiratory protection during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Black and White Ebony is primarily used in decorative and specialty woodworking applications where visual appearance is important.
- Knife handles
- Turned objects
- Fine furniture accents
- Decorative veneers
- Luxury inlays
- Musical instruments
Sustainability & Notes
This species is less commonly available than many commercial hardwoods and is often sold in limited quantities due to its rarity and slow growth. Responsible sourcing is recommended, particularly when purchasing highly figured material.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Macassar Ebony – Another Asian ebony species known for dramatic striping and dark coloration.
Mun Ebony – A darker ebony species with finer contrast and dense structure.
Ceylon Ebony – A more traditional jet-black ebony prized for luxury woodworking and instrument making.
Related Guides
Wood Grain Patterns Explained – Covers how grain structure and figure affect appearance and woodworking applications.
Wood Toxicity and Allergies Guide – Learn which wood species may cause skin irritation, respiratory reactions, or allergic responses, along with practical safety recommendations for cutting, sanding, and finishing wood.
Wood Movement and Seasonal Expansion Explained – Explains how dense exotic hardwoods react to humidity and environmental changes.
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
Black and White Ebony is highly sought after by collectors because of its dramatic appearance and strong visual individuality. No two boards look exactly alike, making figured pieces especially desirable for display collections, turning blanks, and custom knife scales.
Video Overview
Share Your Photos of This Species
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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:
• Diablo Fine Finish Saw Blade with 60 Hi-ATB Teeth for ultra-smooth and precise woodworking cuts
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• Mirka Abranet Sanding Mesh Discs Assorted Grit Pack for dust-free sanding and fine surface finishing
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• Tried & True Danish Oil Finish for enhancing wood grain and protecting woodworking projects with a natural finish
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