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 excellent resistance to decay and dry-wood insects
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular, often with a medium to fine uniform texture
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut wood is a dull grayish/purplish brown, but upon exposure to light, it quickly develops a deep eggplant purple which can eventually weather to a dark brown with UV exposure
Hardness (Janka)
2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable with excellent resistance to decay and dry-wood insects
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8 to 15 dollars per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated between 5 to 20 years old based on surface oxidation and UV exposure state
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or IUCN Red List, but selective logging concerns apply to tropical hardwoods
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, boat building, heavy construction, turnings, and specialty items
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (ranging from Mexico down through Brazil)
Workability
Difficult to work due to its extreme hardness and density; tends to gum up cutters and can burn easily from friction
Finish Recommendations
Requires sharp tools for prep; finishes well with polyurethane, lacquer, or penetrating oils, though UV-inhibiting finishes help preserve the purple color longer
Notable Features
Exhibits a striking natural purple color reaction when exposed to air and light; high density and very strong
