Purpleheart
Peltogyne spp. (most commonly P. paniculata or P. porphyrocardia) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain, showing a medium texture. The sample exhibits subtle ribbon-like figure typical of quarter-sawn or rift-sawn tropical hardwoods.
Color Description
Heartwood is a vibrant, deep purple when freshly cut, which darkens to a chocolate brown or dark purplish-brown over time with UV exposure. Sapwood is typically a creamy white to pale yellow.
Hardness Rating
2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and most wood-boring insects.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, specialty wood items, boatbuilding, heavy construction, cabinetry, and decorative inlay or turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (primarily the Amazon Basin and Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10 to $16 per board foot, depending on the thickness and clarity of the color.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern stock. The bright purple hue suggests it has not yet undergone significant oxidation or UV-induced browning, though it shows some slight darkening consistent with a few months of exposure.
Sustainability Status
Not currently CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, though it is vulnerable to over-harvesting in certain regions. FSC certification is available.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme hardness. It has a high blunting effect on tools. If overheated by saws or bits, the wood exudes a gummy resin that can clog tools. Planing interlocked grain can cause significant tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive natural purple color; emits a mild scent when being worked; very heavy and dense with high strength-to-weight ratio; may cause skin irritation or respiratory distress in sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
A UV-inhibiting clear finish (such as certain polyurethanes or specialized oils) is highly recommended to slow down the transition from purple to brown. Avoid alkaline finishes which can turn the wood black.
Identification Confidence
High; the unmistakable deep violet-purple hue combined with the tight, interlocked tropical grain structure is characteristic of the Peltogyne genus (Purpleheart).