Macassar Ebony Wood
Description/Overview: Macassar Ebony is a premium wood species that is highly valued for its exotic appearance, durability, and natural resistance to moisture and decay. It is a popular choice for luxury humidors, thanks to its unique properties and ability to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the piece. This dark and richly colored wood has a distinctive grain pattern, which adds character and depth to any humidor design.
Origin: Macassar Ebony is native to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi (formerly known as Celebes), and is also found in other regions of Southeast Asia, such as the Philippines and Malaysia. The tree grows in tropical rainforests and can reach a height of up to 40 meters. It is a slow-growing tree, taking up to 60 years to mature.
Names: Macassar Ebony is also known as Striped Ebony or Coromandel. Its scientific name is Diospyros celebica.
Color: Macassar Ebony is known for its striking appearance, characterized by a dark brown or black base color with irregular and bold black or brown stripes. The wood has a lustrous and smooth surface that reflects light, which enhances its beauty.
Properties: The grain of Macassar Ebony is typically straight, with a fine and uniform texture. However, it can also have irregular patterns, such as curls or waves, which adds to its unique character.
Additional Info: Macassar Ebony is a dense and hard wood that is difficult to work with. It requires specialized tools and expertise to cut, shape, and finish. Due to its rarity and high demand, it is also a relatively expensive wood species.
Macassar Ebony is commonly used in high-end furniture, musical instruments, and luxury goods, such as watches, jewelry, and humidors. Its natural resistance to decay and moisture makes it a popular choice for humidors, as it helps maintain a stable and consistent environment for cigars and other tobacco products.
Fun Facts:
Macassar Ebony is one of the most expensive woods in the world, fetching up to $30,000 per cubic meter.
The wood is highly prized in Japan for making traditional knives, such as the Higonokami and Sakai knives.
Macassar Ebony is a slow-growing tree that takes up to 60 years to reach maturity.
The tree is endangered due to overharvesting and habitat loss.
Macassar Ebony is also used in the production of high-end billiard cues and chess sets.
The wood has a distinctive fragrance that is said to have therapeutic benefits.
Macassar Ebony is also known as the "Royal Wood" due to its use in the furniture of European monarchs.
The wood was traditionally used in Africa for making drums, as it produces a deep and resonant sound.
The grain of Macassar Ebony can be enhanced by staining or dyeing, which brings out its natural beauty.
The wood is difficult to work with and requires specialized tools and expertise, making it a favorite of master craftsmen.