Purpleheart
Peltogyne paniculata · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and South America, particularly Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname.
- Hardness
- 2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and most insect attacks; excellent weathering properties.
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Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be wavy or interlocked; medium texture with a natural luster.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a dull grayish/purplish brown when freshly cut, but quickly oxidizes to a deep eggplant purple upon exposure to UV light; over time, it shifts toward dark brown or black if left unprotected.
Hardness (Janka)
2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and most insect attacks; excellent weathering properties.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent/modern stock; vibrant purple indicates fresh surfacing or limited long-term oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, boat building, heavy construction, bridge building, tool handles, woodturning, and inlay accents.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America, particularly Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname.
Workability
Challenging due to extreme hardness; can exude gummy resin when heated by tools, leading to blade dulling and burn marks; glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
UV-inhibiting lacquers or polyurethane are recommended to preserve the purple color; oil finishes may cause the wood to darken to brown more quickly.
Notable Features
Distinctive natural purple color; no characteristic odor; very dense and heavy; unique reaction to UV light.
