Purpleheart
Peltogyne spp. · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and South America (predominantly the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname).
- Hardness
- 2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and most insect attacks; suitable for marine and outdoor applications.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium texture; predominantly flat-sawn in this sample showing some fiber tearout.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a deep eggplant purple to brownish-purple; freshly cut wood is dull greyish-purple but turns bright purple upon UV exposure, eventually darkening to a chocolate brown over time. Sapwood is a contrasting light cream or yellow.
Hardness (Janka)
2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and most insect attacks; suitable for marine and outdoor applications.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and grain quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern sample; likely seasoned lumber under 5 years old based on the surface oxidation and crisp splintering on the edges.
- Sustainability Status
- Not currently CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, though logging pressure varies by region; FSC-certified sources are available.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, heavy construction, boatbuilding, flooring, turnery, specialty wood items, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (predominantly the Amazon Basin in Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname).
Workability
Difficult due to extreme hardness; has a high tendency to burn with machine tools. Interlocked grain can cause significant tearout. It exudes a gummy resin when heated by blades.
Finish Recommendations
A UV-inhibiting clear finish (lacquer or polyurethane with UV blockers) is highly recommended to delay the transition from purple to brown.
Notable Features
Distinctive natural purple hue; extremely dense and heavy; can be a mild sensitizer causing skin or respiratory irritation in some individuals.
