What exactly is Ebony?

Predators and many other cues use Ebony and Ivory inlays, I know ivory but what exacly is ebony, where does it come from, and how expensive is it? I've got ebony points in my predator and I don't even know what that means.

[parrothead]

Ebony is a wood found in africa and a few other warm places. It is often times jet black, although some varieties are striped with brown. As for it's cost, I can't say, but I would guess that it is more expensive than maple or oak since it is an exotic wood.