Coromandel Ebony Wood Guide

Wood species guide · Domestic hardwood species

Coromandel Ebony is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.

Scientific nameDiospyros melanoxylon
Janka hardness3,960 lbf
Average dried weight77.7 lb/ft³
Best fitInlay

Overview

Why choose Coromandel Ebony?

Coromandel Ebony is a domestic hardwood species. Mainly Sri Lanka and India; the Coromandel Coast of southeastern India gives the wood its name. Common uses include inlay, carving, turned objects and musical instrument parts such as piano keys, bridges and nuts.

Scientific nameDiospyros melanoxylon
DistributionMainly Sri Lanka and India; the Coromandel Coast of southeastern India gives the wood its name
ShrinkageRadial: 5.4%, Tangential: 8.8%, Volumetric: 14.4%, T/R Ratio: 1.6 † Very High †These strength/shrinkage values were taken from only one source, [1] Gérard, J., Guibal, D., Paradis, S., & Cerre, J.
DurabilityThe black heartwood portions are very durable against decay.

Coromandel Ebony colour, grain, and figure

Jet black heartwood, at times streaked with reddish brown or purple. The sapwood is pale yellow or pink and is clearly set apart from the heartwood.

The grain is typically straight, sometimes irregular. Texture is fine and even, with a high natural shine.

Working notes

Density and a strong dulling effect on cutting edges make it difficult to work overall. It can also be hard to dry, and checks or other defects may develop.

Serious reactions are uncommon, but ebony (genus Diospyros) is a reported sensitizer.

Coromandel Ebony should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.

Best uses for Coromandel Ebony

Best projects

Common uses include inlay, carving, turned objects and musical instrument parts such as piano keys, bridges and nuts.

Use caution

Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.

Finish strategy

Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.

Buying note

Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.

Shop path

Buying Coromandel Ebony from Kingma

Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.

Kingma option

4/4 Makassar Ebony Rough Sawn Lumber

Direct Kingma listing for Coromandel Ebony; inventory, lengths, and widths can rotate by variant.

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Kingma option

Wenge rough sawn lumber

Dark exotic alternative for accent parts and premium contrast.

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Kingma option

Walnut lumber collection

Practical dark premium alternative when the project needs easier machining.

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Similar woods and alternatives

If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.

Coromandel Ebony FAQ

What is Coromandel Ebony best used for?

Common uses include inlay, carving, turned objects and musical instrument parts such as piano keys, bridges and nuts. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.

Is Coromandel Ebony beginner friendly?

It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.

Does Kingma sell Coromandel Ebony?

The buying section on this page links to any Coromandel Ebony Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.