White Ebony Veneer

White Ebony veneer is not the white-edged version of ebony. Despite its name, it doesn't necessarily belong to the genus Diospyros in the strict sense—this often leads to misunderstandings within the industry.

The following provides a detailed analysis:
⸻
✅ 1. What is White Ebony Veneer?

White Ebony's scientific name is usually either Diospyros blancoi or Diospyros celebica, and it is primarily found in the Philippines or Celebes, Sulawesi, Indonesia.
• It has a unique contrasting pattern of white veins on a black background or black veins on a white background. The colors are distinct, resembling splashed ink, making it extremely rare and highly decorative.
• It is often used in high-end custom furniture, audio systems, yachts, and private jet interiors.
• Because its texture resembles an ink painting, it is also called "splashed ink tan" or "black jade tan."
⸻
✅ 2. Is it the white-edged version of ebony?

No. Black and white ebony is not the white edge (sapwood) of ebony's heartwood.
• Ebony, such as African ebony (Diospyros crassiflora) or Macassar ebony (Diospyros celebica), typically has a very dark black heartwood and a lighter or even whitish sapwood. However, these white edges generally lack sufficient strength and decorative properties and are not used for veneer.
• The black and white grain of black and white ebony is a naturally interlaced pattern, not a sapwood effect from cutting ebony.
⸻
✅ 3. Is it in the same family as ebony?
Yes, black and white ebony and traditional ebony both belong to the Ebenaceae family, but whether they are both Diospyros depends on the specific origin and species. Common Classifications:
Name
Scientific Name
Family
Characteristics
African Blackwood
Diospyros crassiflora
Ebony
Persimmon
Ebony
Pure black
Macassar Blackwood
Diospyros celebica
Ebony
Ebony
Black background with brown streaks
White Sandalwood
Diospyros blancoi
Ebony
Persimmon
Ebony or related genera
Strong black and white contrast, ink-like
⸻
✅ Summary:
• Blackwood is not the sapwood of ebony, but rather a distinct, highly decorative ebony-like wood.
• It may indeed belong to the same family (Ebony) and even the same genus (Diospyros), but its texture and visual appeal are far more decorative and unique than traditional ebony.
• Blackwood is extremely rare and often fetches a high price due to its unique texture, stable material, and difficulty in processing.
If you require further analysis of the contrast between blackwood and other veneers for decorative purposes, I can also assist.