This sanded sample from The Wood Database displays the distinctive properties of Brown Ebony.
Common trade names: Brazilian Ebony, Coffeewood, Cuji yaque
Genus: Caesalphinia (C. granadillo, C. paraguariensis, etc.)
Janka Hardness (pounds-force): 3590
Description: Tightly grained. Slightly pored randomly. A very deeply toned red/brown wood that may or may not feature growth rings distinctly. A very hard wood with interesting features.
Location: Central to South America, namely: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Venezuela.
Common Aliases: Ebano, Granadillo, Guayacan, Maracaibo, Mesquite, Pao ferro, Partridge wood, Yaqye.
Performance: N/A. If you have performance data in working this species, please contact me. I find this stuff interesting.
Acclimation: N/A.
Common Uses: Implements for agriculture, tool handles, cabinets, artwork, piling, rail ties, turnings, veneers.
From: The Wood Database
Common Name(s): Brown Ebony
Scientific Name: Caesalpinia spp. (C. granadillo, C. paraguariensis, etc.)
Distribution: Semi-arid regions of South America
Tree Size: 30-50 ft (10-15 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 74 lbs/ft3 (1,185 kg/m3)
Basic Specific Gravity: .91
Hardness: 3,590 lbf (15,970 N)
Rupture Strength: 21,750 lbf/in2 (150,000 kPa)
Elastic Strength: 2,320,000 lbf/in2 (16,000 MPa)
Crushing Strength: 11,760 lbf/in2 (81.1 MPa)
Shrinkage: Radial: 5.5%, Tangential: 6.4%, Volumetric: 14.0%, T/R Ratio: 1.2