Yellowheart (and Purpleheart)
Euxylophora paraensis · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Tropical South America, primarily the Amazon basin in Brazil
- Hardness
- 2790 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable (resistant to rot, fungi, and insect attack)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a fine to medium uniform texture
Color & Appearance
Bright, vibrant yellow to golden yellow heartwood that darkens slightly with exposure to light, contrasted alongside deep purple heartwood
Hardness (Janka)
2790 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable (resistant to rot, fungi, and insect attack)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $15.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern or recently milled stock, showing fresh colors typical of newly finished projects
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red list, but harvested from tropical rainforests with sustainability dependent on responsible forestry practices
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, turning, inlay, flooring, and accent stripes in woodworking
Geographic Origin
Tropical South America, primarily the Amazon basin in Brazil
Workability
Challenging due to its extreme hardness and density; can blunt cutting edges quickly and is prone to burning during routing or sawing, but glues and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or clear oil finishes work well; UV-inhibiting finishes can help preserve the bright yellow color against photo-oxidation
Notable Features
Striking natural yellow coloration that provides high contrast in multi-wood laminations, high density, and natural oil content
