Origin | Africa, Central and South America |
bulk density | 0,9 g / cm³ |
durability class | not in DIN-EN 350-2 |
Compressive strength | 60-70 N/mm² |
flexural strength | 100-120 N/mm² |
wood color | black-brown |
wood structure | fine to medium-sized pore |
Usage | Grips, game pieces, billiard cues, musical instruments, veneer |
Ebony trees come from a small group of the several hundred species Diospyros genus. The economically used black or color-striped woods are widespread in most tropical countries, but only occur very occasionally after massive felling in the past. Many trees of this wood species group are on the CITES list for endangered wood species. The wood is not available from sustainable forestry due to its endangerment.
Today, ebony is still mainly used as a material for musical instruments such as piano keys, xylophone boards, flutes, and as a veneer for classic wooden furniture.