ébène

Ébène is the term used for the dark heartwood of several species in the genus Diospyros, valued for its deep black to very dark brown color and its dense, fine-grained texture. Ebony wood is exceptionally hard, heavy and resistant to wear, and it polishes to a high gloss, making it highly sought after for decorative work and precision components.

True ebony comes from species such as Diospyros ebenum (Ceylon ebony), native to southern India and Sri Lanka, and Diospyros crassiflora (Gabon ebony), found in West Africa. Other species, including Diospyros celebica (Sumatran ebony), also yield dark heartwood used as a substitute in some applications. The wood grows slowly, and overexploitation has led to population declines in some regions.

Uses of ebony include piano keys, high-end furniture accents, turnery, inlays, sculptural carving, and various fittings for musical instruments. Because ebony is relatively scarce and highly regulated, international trade is controlled under mechanisms such as CITES, and sustainably harvested materials are increasingly preferred; artificial substitutes and dyes are frequently used to imitate its appearance.

In addition to its material sense, ébène also denotes the color black in French, often applied to describe a deep, rich black shade in fashion, design, and art. The term carries historical associations with durability, luxury, and refined craftsmanship.