Gaboon Ebony (Diospyros crassiflora) – Dense Black Hardwood from Central Africa

Gaboon ebony is one of the darkest and densest commercial hardwoods in the world—so black it’s often mistaken for a synthetic material. Native to the rainforests of Central and West Africa, especially Gabon and Cameroon, this wood is prized for its deep, uniform color, fine texture, and ability to take on a mirror-like polish.

With a density of approximately 1.2 g/cm³, Gaboon ebony is one of the rare woods that actually sinks in water. Fewer than 50 out of over 60,000 known tree species share this trait. Its density and durability make it ideal for applications requiring both strength and elegance, including fingerboards for string instruments, fine carvings, chess pieces, and luxury inlays.

The heartwood is rich in phenolic compounds, which give the wood its deep coloration as well as natural resistance to rot and insects. However, Gaboon ebony grows extremely slowly—often less than 1 millimeter in radius per year—raising serious conservation concerns.

Find out more about our favorite colors of exotic wood in our book, The Universe in 100 Colors!

Bonus fact: Collecting and cataloging wood species is known as "xylotheque building"—a niche but fascinating hobby for natural materials enthusiasts.

Add this ¾" x ¾" x 4" block to your wood collection.