Indian Ebony

Botanical Name

Diospyrus Ebenem

Region

Southern India

Properties

Indian Ebony is an exotic wood native to southern India and Sri Lanka. It is an extremely hard, dense, and heavy wood, with a very fine texture. The heartwood is a uniform jet-black or black-brown streaked.

Working Properties

Indian Ebony is somewhat difficult to work with hand and machine tools, but is excellent for wood turning, carving and inlays. It takes an excellent polish. Dust can cause acute dermatitis, skin inflammation, sneezing, possible skin sensitizer.

Uses

Tool and knife handles, door knobs, piano and organ keys, and instrument wood

Availability

Rare