Purpleheart
Peltogyne purpurea · 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 decay, rot, and dry-wood termites.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium texture
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut wood is a dull grayish/brown, but upon exposure to UV light it rapidly oxidizes to a vibrant, deep purple. With further age and exposure to light, it turns a dark brown with a hint of purple.
Hardness (Janka)
2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to decay, rot, and dry-wood termites.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 10.00 to 20.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent stock, showing typical early oxidation stages toward purple.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, but selective harvesting applies.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, heavy construction, boat building, turnery, inlaid work, 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 dull cutting edges quickly. Heating the wood can temporarily soften resins, and it can be glued and finished well if properly prepped.
Finish Recommendations
Finishes well with most clear finishes, though a UV-inhibiting finish can help slow down the inevitable darkening to brown over time.
Notable Features
Contains a resin that reacts with UV light to turn bright purple. Can exude gummy resin when heated with dull tools.
