Ebony

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Ebony

Ebony (pronounced /ˈɛbəni/) is a dense black/brown hardwood, most commonly yielded by several different species in the genus Diospyros.

Etymology

The word ebony comes from the Ancient Egyptian hbny, via the Ancient Greek ἔβενος (ébenos), by way of Latin and Middle English.

Description

Ebony is dense enough to sink in water. It is finely-textured and has a mirror finish when polished, making it valuable as an ornamental wood. The wood is used for both ornamental purposes, such as in the creation of chess pieces, and practical purposes such as in the creation of musical instruments and the handles of cutlery.

Species

The most common ebony is from the species Diospyros ebenum, which is native to southern India and Sri Lanka. Other species of Diospyros are also known to produce ebony wood, such as Diospyros crassiflora and Diospyros celebica.

Related Terms

  • Hardwood: The wood from broad-leaved trees, such as oak, ash, or beech.
  • Diospyros: A genus of over 700 species of deciduous and evergreen trees.
  • Woodworking: The activity or skill of making items from wood, and includes cabinet making (cabinetry and furniture), wood carving, joinery, carpentry, and woodturning.

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