Mun Ebony
Scientific name: Diospyros mun
Overview
Mun Ebony is a Southeast Asian ebony species known for its dark brown to black heartwood and occasional lighter streaking. While similar in density to other ebony species, Mun Ebony often displays more visible grain variation compared to the uniform appearance of Ceylon or Gabon ebony.
It is used in fine woodworking, decorative components, and small luxury items where density and dark coloration are desired.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Mun Ebony
- Scientific Name: Diospyros mun
- Region: Asian Hardwoods (Southeast Asia – primarily Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand)
- Tree Size: 50–80 ft tall, 1–2 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 75 lbs/ft³ (1,200 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 3,220 lbf
- Color: Dark brown to nearly black, often with lighter brown striping
- Grain: Usually straight
- Texture: Fine
Identification Characteristics
Mun Ebony is identified by its dark brown to near-black heartwood. Unlike some other ebony species, it may show subtle streaking or variation in tone.
The wood is dense and smooth when finished.
Key identification traits include:
- Dark brown to black heartwood
- Fine texture
- Heavy, dense feel
- Subtle streaking in some boards
- Clear contrast between sapwood and heartwood
Working Properties
Mun Ebony is dense and can be difficult to machine.
- Dulls cutting tools quickly
- Requires sharp tooling
- Sands to a smooth finish
- Suitable for turning and small components
- Pre-drilling required for fasteners
Due to its density, careful drying is important to reduce cracking.
Safety Note
Ebony dust may cause skin irritation or respiratory sensitivity in some individuals. Fine dust particles are common when sanding. Proper dust extraction and respiratory protection are recommended.
Common Uses
Mun Ebony is commonly used in:
- Fine furniture components
- Decorative accents
- Turned objects
- Small carved pieces
- Luxury interior details
Its dark coloration makes it especially suitable for contrast work and detailing.
Mun Ebony is often selected where a dark hardwood with subtle variation is desired.
Sustainability & Notes
Like many ebony species, Mun Ebony has experienced harvesting pressure. Availability may be limited depending on regional forestry regulations.
Responsible sourcing and documentation are recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Ceylon Ebony – A classic ebony species prized for its nearly jet-black color and extremely fine texture, commonly used in musical instruments and fine decorative work.
Macassar Ebony – A striking ebony known for its dark brown to black coloration with contrasting streaks, often used in luxury furniture and instrument making.
Cocuswood – A dense Caribbean ebony valued for its deep color and hardness, historically used in fine furniture and ornamental woodworking.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain texture and color contrast helps distinguish ebony species from other dark tropical hardwoods.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Ebony species are among the densest woods in the world, making hardness an important factor in their working properties.
Understanding CITES & Protected Species
Many ebony species are regulated due to conservation concerns and international trade restrictions.
Wenge vs. Ebony
Explore Wenge vs. Ebony to compare dark exotic hardwoods in color, density, hardness, workability, and high-end woodworking applications.
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
Mun Ebony is valued for its density and dark coloration. Boards with consistent dark tone and minimal defects are typically preferred.
Because of its potential for streaking, some collectors specifically seek boards with unique figure patterns.
Share Your Photos of This Species
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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:
• Digital Caliper Measuring Tool for precise thickness and dimension measurements
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• Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue for strong, waterproof bonding in woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/3OJkeAz
• HURRICANE 4 Piece Wood Chisel Set for carving, shaping, and fine woodworking detail
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