Likely purpleheart; alternatives include stained or naturally purple tropical hardwoods such as amaranth. — Most likely Peltogyne spp.

Likely purpleheart; alternatives include stained or naturally purple tropical hardwoods such as amaranth.

Most likely Peltogyne spp. · Exotic/Tropical hardwood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Type
Exotic/Tropical hardwood
Origin
Tropical Central and South America, especially the Guianas and Amazon basin.
Hardness
2,520 lbf — Extremely Hard.
Durability
Durable; heartwood has good decay resistance and some insect resistance, though performance varies by species and exposure.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

Grain Pattern

Mostly straight to slightly irregular grain with fine texture; the visible face appears flat-sawn, with no distinct figured pattern.

Color & Appearance

Strong violet-purple heartwood with darker streaks; sapwood is not visible. Purpleheart often deepens toward brownish purple with age and light exposure.

Hardness (Janka)

2,520 lbf — Extremely Hard.

Durability & Decay Resistance

Durable; heartwood has good decay resistance and some insect resistance, though performance varies by species and exposure.

Value & Age

Estimated Market ValueNot an official valuation

Roughly US$10–25 per board foot for typical retail stock; figure, dimensions, and location affect price.

AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.

Wood Age Estimate
Cannot be estimated reliably from this image; the purple color alone does not indicate age.

Common Uses

Furniture, flooring, turning, cabinetry, decorative accents, and instrument components.

Geographic Origin

Tropical Central and South America, especially the Guianas and Amazon basin.

Workability

Dense and abrasive; sharp carbide tooling helps. Machine carefully to limit tearout, and predrill for fasteners; glue and finish are generally manageable.

Finish Recommendations

Sand progressively and apply a clear oil, lacquer, or polyurethane; UV-resistant finish can help slow color change.

Notable Features

Distinctive purple heartwood, often becoming browner with exposure; dense, heavy, and naturally lustrous.

Learn more about Likely purpleheart; alternatives include stained or naturally purple tropical hardwoods such as amaranth. in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified September 27, 2026

Encyclopedia

Learn about Likely Purpleheart; Alternatives Include Stained Or Naturally Purple Tropical Hardwoods Such As Amaranth. in the encyclopedia

View all →