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Identification of ebony (gloomy wood)
Sultan wood, also known as carbonized wood, is a unique type of timber that forms naturally under specific environmental conditions. It exists in a state between wood and carbon, possessing its own distinct woody character. Whether it's dark or not, most sultan wood has undergone some level of carbonization. However, if the process becomes too intense, it can turn into coal. Cultural beliefs about evil spirits or mystical properties often add to the enigma surrounding this rare material, making it difficult for many to distinguish it from other types of wood.
Sultan wood belongs to the category of charcoal-like woods, and as a result, it typically appears black or dark in color, showing varying degrees of carbonization. The older the tree, the more pronounced the carbonization tends to be. Its surface resembles burnt coke—cracked and charred. Unlike regular charcoal, carbonized wood doesn't leave black marks when rubbed against white paper. Experienced artisans can often estimate the age of the wood by examining its carbonized appearance, cross-section, and texture. They may also consider the species of the tree to determine whether it qualifies as "gloomy" wood, which requires centuries of natural oxidation and carbonization. Some trees may only partially carbonize due to insufficient time or improper conditions, resulting in water-sinking wood, but not true gloomy wood.
There are several types of gloomy wood, including willow, Cyclobalanopsis, camphor, Nanmu (Phoebe nanmu), red ash, yew, horsewood, cork, eucalyptus, and sandalwood. Trees with strong aromatic properties and antibacterial qualities are more likely to form gloomy wood, though not all of them emit a scent. This depends on the geographical environment where the tree grew. In fact, a large 3-meter-diameter piece of gloomy wood was discovered in the Mianyuan River area of Deyang City, revealing how rich and diverse the ancient ecosystem once was.
Gloomy wood is exceptionally hard, even harder than ironwood or hardwood. While some types like red or dark wood may be softer, the ability of gloomy wood to sink in water largely depends on the species. Small pieces of finished products often float, so simply submerging them in water isn't enough to determine their authenticity. The color of gloomy wood varies from deep brown-black to black-red, gold, and tan. Its cut surface is smooth, with fine grain and a polished finish that can achieve mirror-like clarity. Some varieties resemble red sandalwood and retain their color, never fading, decaying, or attracting insects. This makes it an ideal material for crafting art pieces and antique furniture.
Compared to ordinary wood, sultan wood behaves differently. While most wood burns to produce white ash, sultan wood leaves yellow ash instead. When submerged in water, its color darkens, but it returns to its original tone once dry. Small amounts of vegetable oil extracted from it appear black and remain bright without fading. When gloomy trees are unearthed, the inner heart is often decayed, leaving only the outer trunk and head. Severely carbonized surfaces are usually unsuitable for use, so artisans typically remove the outer layer and preserve the central core.