Pink Ivory can commonly be seen with a curly or fiddleback grain pattern, further enhancing its visual impact. Sapwood of Pink Ivory tends to be pale yellow to light brown, with a somewhat gradual demarcation from heartwood. Color changes in Pink Ivory (becoming faded or dull over time) can be problematic and are not fully understood. Pink Ivory often varies in color from a pale brownish pink, to a bright, almost neon pink, to a deep red. Typically the most valuable pieces of Pink Ivory are a vibrant pink. Grain is straight to interlocked with fine, even and good lusterous texture.

Reputed to be a scarce commodity, Pink Ivory is typically very expensive, usually on par with Gaboon Ebony (another pricey African import). Very useful for carving, veneers, inlay, knife handles, billiard cues, chessmen, and other turned objects.