Ebony (Genus Diospyros)

Diospyros spp.

The ebony family includes extremely dense, fine-grained hardwoods prized for their dark color and durability, though the dust can irritate skin and eyes for some people. There are over 700 species of ebony which include Persimmon, a white ebony found in the USA.

Janka

3220

Price Tier

$$$$$

Dent Risk

Low

Overview

Ebony is a name used for several Diospyros species, and the common thread is extreme density, fine texture, and a high demand for very dark stock. While many seek the uniform, jet-black appearance of Gaboon Ebony, others prefer the dramatic, orange-brown striping found in Macassar Ebony. Both can be hard on tools and often present gluing challenges, especially when the wood has a higher oil content. Many ebonies polish beautifully and hold crisp detail, which is why they show up in musical instruments and fine inlay. Availability can be complicated by restricted trade and limited tree size, so substitutes are common.

The genus also includes Persimmon (D. virginiana), often referred to as “White Ebony.” Unlike its tropical cousins, Persimmon is prized for its vast, creamy-white sapwood rather than a dark core. While it lacks the jet-black color, it retains the same “ebony” hardness and shock resistance, historically making it the gold standard for textile shuttles and wooden golf club heads. Because it is a domestic hardwood in North America, it offers a more accessible and sustainable way to experience the unique working properties of the Diospyros genus.

Key takeaways

At a Glance

Hardness & Heft

Janka: 3220 lbf

Dry weight: 68 lbs/ft³ (1089 kg/m³)

Color & Figure

Color: Black and White

Grain: Mostly straight

Figure: Can be dramatic

Stability & Movement

Movement: Medium

Drying: Checking

Workability

Plays nice with

Fights you on

Finishing

Best Uses

Great for

Avoid for

Where it comes from

Found in Africa and Asia among other regions; trade is often constrained by scarcity and regulation

Buying notes

Expect substitutions and ebonized alternatives; buy from reputable suppliers with species clarity.

What to Watch Out For

Practical Alternatives

Shop Notes / Deeper Dive

Ebony is the gold standard for accents, but it’s a sensitizer—this applies to Persimmon (White Ebony) as well. Wear your respirator or you’ll feel it in your lungs, and keep the skin covered to avoid irritation. Both hold a crisp, sharp edge better than almost anything else, making Ebony perfect for fretboards and Persimmon the classic choice for high-impact items like mallet heads or tool handles.

While tropical Ebony can be oily and finicky to glue, Persimmon is generally drier, though fresh-cut surfaces are still a must for both to ensure a deep bond. Unlike the jet-black heartwood of tropical species, Persimmon is prized for its creamy sapwood, which can be stained or dyed easily due to its fine grain. Both are dense and prone to checking; Persimmon is particularly notorious for high shrinkage during drying, so stable, seasoned stock is vital. Ebony is expensive and Persimmon can be hard to find in clear, large dimensions, so plan your cuts twice and execute once.

Like what you see?

While I occasionally work with some of these species, availability varies widely. If you’re researching woods for a custom project, feel free to reach out.

Reference Notes: Wood grain and color can vary significantly within a species depending on growing conditions, age, and cut orientation. Images on this page are provided as general reference examples and may not represent every possible variation of the species. Geographic distribution maps illustrate typical native or commonly cultivated ranges and may not reflect every region where the species occurs today.

Additional technical data and botanical information may be referenced from sources such as the USDA Forest Products Laboratory Wood Handbook.