In the realm of luxury woods, both rosewood and ebony hold significant value, but rosewood is generally considered more valuable. This is primarily due to its rarity, the demand for its unique grain patterns, and its use in high-end musical instruments and furniture. According to the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), rosewood species are highly protected due to their endangered status, which drives up their value. For instance, the Madagascar rosewood (Dalbergia baronii) is listed as critically endangered, making it one of the most valuable rosewood species.

The demand for rosewood is not only driven by its aesthetic appeal but also by its use in high-quality musical instruments. The rich, warm tone of rosewood is prized by luthiers for making guitars, violins, and other stringed instruments. Ebony, while also highly sought after for its dense, hard wood and dark, figured grain, is often used in the construction of piano keys and other parts of musical instruments. However, the scarcity of rosewood has led to a higher market value compared to ebony.

Data from the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) indicates that the price of rosewood can be several times higher than that of ebony. For example, in 2019, the average price per cubic meter of African blackwood (a type of rosewood) was around $2,000, whereas the price for ebony was approximately $500. This significant price difference underscores the higher value attributed to rosewood.

Moreover, the legal restrictions on the trade of rosewood have created a black market, further inflating its value. The high demand and limited supply have made rosewood a sought-after material for collectors and artisans, contributing to its premium status. In contrast, while ebony is also a valuable wood, its availability and use in various applications have kept its value more stable compared to rosewood.

In conclusion, rosewood is more valuable than ebony due to its rarity, demand for use in high-end musical instruments, and the legal restrictions surrounding its trade. The data from ITTO and CITES highlight the significant price difference and the unique attributes that make rosewood a prized material in the luxury wood market.