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, with exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and most insect attacks
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular or wavy, with a medium texture and good natural luster
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut heartwood is a dull brown, but upon exposure to UV light, it rapidly oxidizes to a vibrant, deep purple. With further age and exposure to light, it darkens to a rich dark brown with a purplish hue. Sapwood is a contrasting yellowish-white.
Hardness (Janka)
2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and most insect attacks
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately aged based on the deep purple oxidation state rather than the freshly cut brownish color
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, but selective harvesting is recommended due to localized over-exploitation
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, heavy construction, boat building, turnery, inlay, and specialty items like pool cue butts and skateboard decks
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (ranging from Mexico down through Brazil)
Workability
Challenging due to extreme hardness; tends to dull cutting edges quickly. Exudes a gummy resin when heated by dull tools which can gum up blades and sandpaper. Glues and finishes well if surface oils are wiped clean.
Finish Recommendations
Water-based finishes or clear lacquers help preserve the purple color best, as oil-based finishes tend to amber the wood and darken the purple tone more quickly. UV-inhibiting finishes are recommended to slow down the eventual darkening to brown.
Notable Features
Famous for its striking and natural vibrant purple color resulting from UV oxidation; contains a gummy resin and can emit a moderate, somewhat unpleasant scent when being worked
