[citation needed] The heartwood of D. celebica shows a wide striped pattern of dark brown and the typical black of ebony wood.

As macassar ebony, it has been traded since the colonial period and is regarded as a valuable wood for a variety of woodworking.

[1] It has been extensively logged for its wood since colonial times and its current conservation status is considered "vulnerable".

It is considered a highly valuable wood for turnery, fine cabinet work, and joinery.

Japan used to be the main importer of this wood[citation needed] and is much sought for posts (床柱 (tokobashira)[3]) in traditional Japanese houses.