Macassar Ebony

Macassar ebony is worthy of consideration for use as a luxury writing instrument pen body. To help in determining its suitability for you, let’s explore some of its interesting features. We’ll include background and history, characteristics, uses, and my personal experience working with this exotic wood.

Ebony is a tree family that has several hundred species throughout the world. Our focus is on macassar ebony, scientific name Diospyros celebica. Its growth region is found throughout Indonesia, the Philippines, and parts of India. Ebony was prized in ancient times and used for furniture, moldings, and carvings.

Macassar ebony distinguishes itself from other types of ebony because of its color variations. Throughout its grain run streaks of cream, orange, and brownish-red patterns. These patterns are best described as random waves in an otherwise dark or black wood color. This particular variety is similar to other ebony’s in terms of density. Most varieties have a specific gravity exceeding one, meaning that most samples are heavier than water.

Macassar ebony lends itself to a variety of artisan applications today. Partially because of the fascinating wave patterns described earlier, one beautiful application is for guitar bodies. Additionally, other wonderful creations are crafted such as chess pieces, furniture inlay, luxury pen bodies, and other musical instruments. View a sample photo of macassar ebony to better appreciate its attractiveness to artisans.

My personal experience in working with macassar ebony is mixed with curses and blessings. Its density and hardness insists that my turning tools be very sharp. Even with sharp gouges, care must be taken to avoid cracking or splitting the wood while shaping my pen bodies on the lathe. Also of concern is the cutting dust. Less dense woods typically produce shavings or chips. Ebony, when machine cut, produces a powdery residue. Therefore a respirator or dust mask is essential. On the blessing side, macassar ebony reveals beautiful grain patterns and polishes brilliantly with a heat activated polish.

Macassar ebony is one of many varieties of ebony. In spite of the challenges related to shaping it with tools, it has remained a choice of craftsmen throughout time. The macassar variety offers unique color variations and patterns worthy of consideration. Its simple beauty and luster appeal to many.      

Author: Tom Herzer