Wood Species Guide
Macassar Ebony
Diospyros celebica
Also called: Striped Ebony, Amara Ebony, Makassar Ebony, Sulawesi Ebony
What Macassar Ebony looks like
Dark brown to black heartwood striped with tan, caramel or reddish-brown bands. The contrast is what sets it apart from solid black ebonies.
Grain and texture
Fine, even texture with a natural luster. Grain is straight to interlocked, and the stripes follow the growth layers, so cut angle changes the look a lot.
Working Macassar Ebony: planing, cutting and gluing
Very dense and can be stubborn. Interlocked grain tears out under a planer, and the wood blunts edges fast. Sharp tools, slow feeds and sanding through the grits get you there. Wipe with acetone before gluing.
Finishing Macassar Ebony: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Polishes to a deep shine with just sanding and a little oil or wax. Under epoxy, seal coat first and keep the dust contained, since dark ebony dust stains light fills easily.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Durable and resistant to decay, but it is notorious for checking while it dries. Buy fully dry stock and keep it in a stable indoor climate, especially through Florida's humid summers.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Macassar ebony is mostly seen as veneer on high-end furniture and as small turning or instrument stock. Solid pieces are expensive, so plan it for pulls, inlay bands, box lids and accents. We do not stock it, but we can often help you source a piece. Pair it with lighter woods like hard maple for maximum contrast.
Common uses for Macassar Ebony
Veneer for fine furniture and cabinetry, musical instrument parts, inlay, turned objects, knife and tool handles.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Buy from reputable suppliers.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Sensitizer (allergy builds with exposure)
- Eye irritation
- Respiratory / asthma
Macassar ebony has been reported to cause skin irritation, and ebonies in general are known sensitizers that can also irritate eyes. Severe reactions are uncommon.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + respirator when sanding; gloves for sensitive skin
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Reported to cause skin irritation, and ebony dust in general can irritate eyes and airways. Use dust collection and a respirator.
Macassar Ebony in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Macassar Ebony listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
Similar woods: Ebonies
- Ceylon EbonyDiospyros ebenum Ceylon ebony is the original jet-black ebony of the old trade, from Sri Lanka and southern India. It...
- Gaboon EbonyDiospyros crassiflora Gaboon ebony is the benchmark for true black wood: dense, fine and glossy. It is pricey and comes...
- KataloxSwartzia cubensis Katalox is a near-black Central American hardwood that is extremely hard and heavy. It makes a strong, affordable...
- Pale Moon EbonyDiospyros malabarica (syn. D. embryopteris, D. peregrina) Pale moon ebony is a Southeast Asian ebony with cream and jet-black streaks instead of solid black. It...
- PersimmonDiospyros virginiana American persimmon is a very hard, pale wood from the ebony family that grows wild across Florida. It...