Gaboon Ebony

Made with Gaboon Ebony wood. Diospyros crassiflora also known as African Ebony or genuine ebony. This is the wood historically used for the sharp keys on a piano. It is one of the most expensive woods still sold commercially. Incredibly dense, if you were to hand carve (with a mallet and chisel) it would chip the steel edge of the chisel. Fortunately it turns beautifully and polishes into a natural glowing black. The tree is slow growing and small even when mature. It has become rare in its natural range due to exploitation.
I have a log directly sourced about thirty years ago. Normally the creamy white sapwood is removed prior to export. The sapwood is almost as dense as the black heartwood. I take advantage of the natural contrast and include it in the pieces I turn.
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