The ebenaceae family includes several genera of trees, which include the famous ebony. The name "ebony" in the trading environment unites more than one hundred species, often including various types of dark rosewood, legumes or acacia. The ebony tree can have not only black, but also greenish, red or almost white color.
To this ebony include species of the persimmon genus (diospyros), common in the tropical latitudes of Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Ceylon, West and East Africa. The wood of these species is considered precious and is the most expensive in the world. Separate types of persimmons, related to ebony, are in the Caucasus. The breed of mountain persimmon can be used as a bonsai - seedlings take root in large pots and grow in room conditions.
In ancient times, an ebony tree was endowed with mystical power, attributing the ability to rid oneself of the effects of dark forces, cast spells, rejuvenate, and heal serious illnesses. Items from it were used in magic rituals, were considered magical. Charms and talismans were carved from wood. In ancient Egypt, ebony was valued along with gold, precious stones and ivory. Ebony figurines were found in the tombs of the pharaohs.
The population of the regions where the ebony grow, used the branches and bark of trees to prepare healing remedies and magic drinks, giving gigantic powers. The fruits of many species of diospyros are edible, including persimmon, which is familiar to everyone.
Wood characteristic
This material is one of the heaviest and most durable in the world. At a moisture content of 15%, the density of the array is from 900 to 1100 kg / cu. m, which is twice as high as that of oak. He immediately drowns in water. The ebony massif is a sound diffused-vascular part that does not have annual rings. African and Madagascar ebony trees are really black, sometimes dark brown or purple with a light matte, as well as metallic sheen. This feature is explained by the inclusion of various minerals in the wood. The older the tree, the more valuable and darker the color.
There are varieties with a completely plain texture, with contrasting crimson, golden stripes, with green, dark red, reddish. Ebony has excellent natural oilyness, water-repellent properties, is not susceptible to decay, tolerates the influence of high and low temperatures and their differences, is not affected by the fungus, and harmful insects are not capable of damaging it. Due to its amazing density and mineral inclusions in the composition, it does not swell from moisture, and the wear resistance is such that the service life can last for centuries. But before the material acquires these qualities, a lot of time must pass.
Many ebony breeds have been growing and ripening for several centuries, representing in themselves real relics. The age of some specimens suitable for cutting is about 1000 years. Valuable breeds rarely bear fruit. In the process of life, the trunks rise to a height of 3-10 m, in cross section reach from 50 to 100 cm.
Preparing a ripened tree also takes time and skills. Ebony is capricious and dries for a very long time due to almost iron density. But it is impossible to artificially dry ebony, its value can be preserved only in natural conditions. To make moisture leave the wood faster, for 2-3 years before cutting, trunks are made on the trunks, which stop the growth process. Thus dried logs are less likely to deteriorate during further processing. After the trees are cut down, their ends are treated with lime and covered with a special cloth, providing gentle drying conditions. The process takes several months - at least 6. During this period, it is important to protect timber stacks from wind and sunlight.
When dried, the wood loses a significant part of the volume due to the high content of essential oil, but after proper processing it becomes almost eternal.
The sap of black ebony is usually light - yellow-gray or whitish - and is not at all appreciated. It is cut down at the harvesting stage, freeing the core of the trees. Since in some breeds it is half of the massif, sometimes most of it goes to waste.
Kinds
The most famous and valuable grades of ebony are sold not in cubic meters, but in kilograms, almost like precious bullion. The cost of 1 kg of ebony is about 100-150 dollars. Several types of wood are in particularly high demand.
Cameroon ebony
This tree stretches up to 3-4 m, sometimes has shrubby forms. The ripening age of wood is 500-600 years. The sapwood of logs is thick, reaches 70% of the array. The core is black, matte, sometimes with ash-gray veins. This ebony breed has rather large vessels, distinguishable by the eye, which is considered a lack of material. The price of Cameroonian ebony is lower than that of other African species.
Ceylon
This type of connoisseurs is called a real ebony, or ebony, and is considered a classic version of ebony. The surface of the core array is a plain dark shade without visible pores and stripes, with a matte sheen. Ceylon ebony is very durable and hard, it feels like stone. After polishing, it acquires a noble glow. It is a valuable ornamental material.
Madagascar
His homeland is the islands of Madagascar and Seychelles. The wood of this species has an ebony color - coal-black or dark brown, with a metallic sheen on the cuts. The density of the array is more than 1000 kg / cu. m, the core is finely porous.
Indonesian
This type of ebony is often called makassar. Its distinctive feature is colored (maroon, orange or golden) stripes on a black background. Makassar wood is one of the most dense - about 1300 kg / m3.
Lunar
A unique variety of ebony, growing only in the Philippines. Its wood has a delicate creamy shade with thin dark chocolate or black stripes interwoven into an intricate pattern. This species is one of the rarest and most valuable; meeting it is a great success.
Application
Ebony processing is a labor-intensive process; it is difficult to saw and cut, requiring tools of high sharpness and strength, but almost does not form cracks and chips during operation. The array is practically not impregnated with liquids, but the surface of the wood is well polished, acquiring an almost specular sheen. After hot steaming, many types of ebony bend well. Ebony does not need additional treatment with antiseptics or etching with coloring compounds due to its unique qualities and natural beauty.
Ebony has never been found in widespread consumption. This material serves as an indicator of well-being, delicate taste and is not accessible to everyone. It is not easy to get it on the market, it is much easier to run into a cheaper breed or a painted fake.
In antiquity, dishes were hollowed out of solid ebony. It was believed that in such pots food becomes medicinal, and wood is quite capable of neutralizing any poisons. Now large sections of the array are rarely used.
Products made from ebony can be called exclusive. It is used to make piece carved and bent furniture, inlaid expensive decoration panels, use it to decorate art products and interior items, cut parquet, candlesticks, caskets, collectible figurines, canes, knife handles, handles, and jewelry. The precious material is suitable for rings, bracelets and necklaces.
Cases of string musical instruments are made from planed veneer, flutes, oboes, clarinets are made from solid wood. Eben perfectly tolerates shock loads, so collectible balls for billiards and bowling, cricket pins and clubs are made from it.