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 (Diospyros ebenum) is a true ebony species that has long been used as a substitute for Gabon Ebony, thanks to its similar jet-black appearance. Often showcasing subtle brown or muted orange streaking (due to mineral content), and occasional pale sapwood, it can be nearly indistinguishable from its African cousin at first glance. That said, Indian Ebony is also very rare, with highly limited availability on the U.S. market.

Its grain is typically straight or slightly irregular, with a fine texture and high natural oil content—resulting in excellent polishability and a deep, rich luster. Though not quite as dense as Gabon Ebony (with a Janka hardness roughly 20% lower), it’s still impressively hard and durable. Turners love it for its smooth working properties, and it’s frequently used for high-end fretboards on acoustic guitars—especially by players who want the look of ebony with a slightly softer touch.

While traditionally abundant in South Asia, Indian Ebony’s export has been increasingly restricted in recent years, making U.S. supplies scarce and inconsistent. Still, it remains a prized exotic for fine woodworking, turning, and lutherie—offering a similar aesthetic to Gabon Ebony at a somewhat more accessible price point.

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

Smooth to turn, stunning to finish!

Client Creations
    Quick Look
    Ebony - Indian Lumber @ Rare Woods USA
    http://www.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
    PRE-CUT SIZES (Ebony – Indian)
    2 results

    Type

    Dimensions

    Grade

    Price

    Turning Square

    6
    0.75
    0.75
    A

    $3.00

    yes

    LUMBER PACKS (Ebony – Indian)
    0 results

    Title

    Qty

    Grade

    Price

    No items found
    SHOP ALL (Ebony – Indian)

    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
    EBIND_0.75X0.75X6_EA_1
    EBIND_0.75X0.75X6_EA
    0.75"
    x 0.75" x
    6"
    Multiple blanks shown to demonstrate variance.

    $3.00

    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
    ALSO AVAILABLE (Ebony – Indian)

    Description

    Grade

    UOM

    Price

    No items found

    13
      13
      Your Cart
      PEARSW1350_1
      Pear - Swiss
      PEARSW1350
      1 X $74.82 = $74.82
      CHERR1541_1
      Cherry - American
      CHERR1541
      1 X $76.06 = $76.06
      YROSA1090_1
      Yellow Rosa
      YROSA1090
      1 X $54.34 = $54.34
      OAKWH1182_1
      Oak - White
      OAKWH1182
      1 X $33.41 = $33.41
      KATALOX1483_1
      Katalox
      KATALOX1483
      1 X $71.99 = $71.99
      KATALOX1479_1
      Katalox
      KATALOX1479
      1 X $73.44 = $73.44
      KATALOX1480_1
      Katalox
      KATALOX1480
      1 X $79.85 = $79.85
      KATALOX1482_1
      Katalox
      KATALOX1482
      1 X $72.46 = $72.46

      Species Pricing Enquiry

      Species Pricing Enquiry