Amara Ebony
Common Name(s): Macassar Ebony, Striped Ebony, Amara Ebony
Scientific Name: Diospyros celebica
Distribution: Southeast Asia
Janka Hardness: 3,220
Color/Appearance: Heartwood has dramatic striped appearance, somewhat similar to Zebrawood. Yellow to reddish brown body with darker brown or black stripes. Sharply demarcated sapwood is pale gold color.
Grain/Texture: Grain is usually straight, and can sometimes be interlocked; fine uniform texture and good natural luster.
Workability: Tends to be rather difficult to work, due to its high density, blunting effect on cutters, and its occasionally interlocked grain. The wood is also prone to checking and splitting during drying, and drying defects are not uncommon. The wood is excellent for turned objects.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices, but is on the IUCN Red List. It is listed as vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the past three generations, caused by a decline in its natural range, and exploitation.
Common Uses: Veneer, high-end cabinetry, billiard cues, musical instruments, and other small specialty items.