Purpleheart
Peltogyne spp. · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Central and South America (from Mexico down to southern Brazil)
- Hardness
- 2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to rot and insect attack
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular, with a medium to fine uniform texture
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut wood is a dull grayish/purplish brown, but upon exposure to light, it develops a deep eggplant purple color which eventually oxidizes to a dark brown with prolonged UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to rot and insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 10 to 20 dollars per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be freshly milled to a few years old based on the vibrant purple hue
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN Red List, but selective harvesting is recommended to prevent overexploitation
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, heavy construction, boat building, turnings, inlay, and specialty items
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (from Mexico down to southern Brazil)
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme hardness and density; tends to gum up cutting edges with resin when heated, but glues and finishes well if prepped properly
Finish Recommendations
Water-based finishes or UV-inhibiting clears help preserve the purple color before it naturally darkens to brown
Notable Features
Distinctive vibrant purple color, high density, and releases a moderate, somewhat unpleasant scent when being worked
