Purpleheart
Peltogyne spp. · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Central and South America (ranging from Mexico down through Brazil)
- Hardness
- 2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to decay, dry-rot, and most insect attacks.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular, with a medium to fine uniform texture. The grain can sometimes be interlocked.
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut heartwood is a dull greyish/brown. Upon exposure to UV light, it rapidly oxidizes into a striking bright purple. With further age and ongoing light exposure, it darkens to a deep brownish-purple with a medium luster.
Hardness (Janka)
2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to decay, dry-rot, and most insect attacks.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled or surfaced lumber, likely aged less than 1-2 years based on the vibrant purple coloration and minimal deep browning.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, though localized overharvesting of certain Peltogyne species is a concern.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, heavy-duty flooring, inlay/accent work, turnings, boat building, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (ranging from Mexico down through Brazil)
Workability
Challenging to work due to its extreme hardness and density. Tends to dull cutting edges quickly. Heating the wood slightly can help soften resins when bending or machining, and it can gum up blades due to natural gummy resins.
Finish Recommendations
Wipe down with a solvent (like denatured alcohol or acetone) to remove surface oils before finishing. Clear finishes like oil-based polyurethane, lacquer, or shellac preserve the color well, though a UV-inhibiting topcoat is recommended to slow down the natural darkening process.
Notable Features
Contains a soluble resin that can bleed when exposed to alcohol. Extremely dense and heavy with a unique, unmistakable vibrant purple color upon UV exposure.
