Katalox varies in color often dark reddish brown to nearly black, sometimes with a strong purple hue.

Sapwood is sharply demarcated and is pale yellowish white. Katalox has exceptional strength properties,

and is among the very stiffest and strongest woods available worldwide.

Its dark color makes it a popular substitute for ebony, and the wood is sometimes called Royal Ebony (due to deep rich purple hue often displayed),

though it is not a true ebony.