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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
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Ebony - Indian Lumber @ Rare Woods USA
http://dev.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/segmentedturning-paul-may-ebony-pauferro-maple.jpg,Paul May
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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
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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 […]

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