Characteristics: This exotic and imported hardwood is very dark in color. The wood is dark purple-brown with black streaks which dominate, giving an almost black appearance. The grain is straight, extremely fine, even textured and oily to the touch. This wood is very hard, heavy, strong and dense.

Common Uses: African Blackwood is one of the best turnery woods. It can be found in woodwind instruments - brush backs - knife handles - chessmen - carved figures and inlay work. It’s oiliness, resistance to climatic changes and ability to take an exceptional finish makes it preferable to Ebony for these purposes.

Working Properties: Blackwood works very well. It cuts smoothly and evenly, taking an excellent finish. It has been called one of the best turnery woods, often used in place of Ebony. Cutting must be as sharp as they can be to work this wood.

Common Name: African Blackwood

Tree is Native To: Sudan, Mozambique, Angola, Nigeria and Senegal.

Botanical Classification: Dalbergia melanoxylon

Family: Leguminosae

Average Dried Weight: 91 lb/ft.

Average Specific Gravity: 1.08