Ebony is considered a shade of black, however a slightly lighter shade/tint which has elements of brown included. Ebony color is named after ebony wood, which is a dense tropical wood originating from India and neighboring countries.
Records show that ebony was first used in the English language in connection with the shade in 1590. Ebony also has some ancient Egyptian origins.
Ebony color being a tint of black obviously shares many of its associations, however with the inclusion of brown, the associations such as prestige and elegance are especially important and elevated.
It moves away somewhat slightly from pure blacks strongest associations of strength, power and professionalism.
