Shopping Cart

Ebony – Indian

Diospyros ebenum
Also known as |
Black Ebony|Ceylon Ebony|East Indian Ebony|Indian Ebony
Ebony - Indian Lumber @ Rare Woods USA

Indian Ebony is a true ebony which has been commonly used as a substitute for Gabon Ebony, due to its similar aesthetics. With a jet black base, occasional brown to muted orange striping (from mineral deposits) and a sap which can range from pale yellow to tan, one could certainly be forgiven for mistaking one for the other. That said, Indian Ebony is an exotic wood in very short supply — more so even than Gabon. Its grains are generally straight or irregular, and its texture is fine. It has a high natural oil content, which yields a high degree of luster.

It also is a less dense and hard ebony, having a Janka Hardness rating slightly over 20% less than Gabon (2430 lbf vs. 3080). It is a very popular wood with turners, as it turns and finishes beautifully, and has good working properties. Indian Ebony is also regularly employed as an acoustic guitar fretboard, although supplies to the US luthier industry is sometimes sporadic.

This species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but is reported by the IUCN as being “data deficient.” Due to a recent history of exploitation, exporting has been restricted and is closely monitored in India and Sri Lanka.

Why We Love This Wood

If you're a guitarist who likes the look of ebony, but prefers a softer feel, Indian Ebony might be the perfect choice. While this is a pricey true (Diospyros) ebony, its price is generally about half of what you'd spend on the aesthetically similar Gabon Ebony. Despite not being as oily as Gabon, Indian Ebony still produces a wonderful natural luster and sheen when finished.

Traditionally, this wood has been widely used and quite popular in its indigenous South Asia region. Due to past exportation restrictions being placed on it, Indian Ebony has come into even more limited supply, here in the US.

Client Creations
    Quick Look
    Ebony - Indian Lumber @ Rare Woods USA
    http://dev.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/segmentedturning-paul-may-ebony-pauferro-maple.jpg,Paul May
    A Popular Choice in
    Vital Statistics
    Main Color GroupVariegated
    Grain Pattern Even
    Avg Dry Weight - LB/BF4.8
    Avg Dry Weight - KG/M3915
    Janka Hardness - LBF2430
    Janka Hardness - N10790
    Pricing

    Description

    Grade

    UOM

    Price

    No items found

    Pre-cut Sizes
    Lumber Packs
    0 results

    Title

    Qty

    Grade

    Price

    No items found
    Shop

    Browse SIMILAR lumber products by size, thickness, type or price

    Search With Filters
    Price
    Length
    Width
    Thickness
    Search
    Spoil your favorite “Wood Nutter” with a gift card from Rare Woods SA
    turnebonyind 3
    TURNEBONIND1001
    Our Indian turning blanks come in range of sizes and are excellent quality lumber. The sizes are all rough-guides, but are basically accurate. If you have very strict size criteria, please just drop us an email to confirm they will meet your expectations. The photographs are representative of the stock you will receive. You won’t necessarily […]

    $3.00$21.00

    ebony-indian
    0
      0
      Your Cart
      Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop

      Species Pricing Enquiry

      Species Pricing Enquiry