From equatorial Africa, Gabon Ebony is usually found in wet lowlands near rivers and swaps. Devoid of color, Gabon Ebony has ink black with lighter streaks. Only a small percentage of Ebony (three to five percent) produce the highest quality jet black Ebony. Most pieces contain 50-70% sapwood with deep heart checks and voids in the heart with fall off of 80-90%. Ebony is hard and costly to produce, which makes it a rare species to obtain. It is difficult to work, glues satisfactorily, and has a tendency to want to split, but takes a really nice polish that makes it worth the work. Ebony is a treasured hardwood that was used by the Egyptian Pharaohs over 3,000 years ago. Diospyrus crassiflora. Carefully milled and kiln dried.  These are spectacular sets with excellent tap tones in all. Rare width and interesting subtle stripes in most.