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, rot, and most insect attacks.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium to fine uniform texture.
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut heartwood is a dull brown, but upon exposure to UV light it rapidly oxidizes into a vibrant, deep purple color. With further age and light exposure, it eventually darkens to a deep brown with a hint of purple.
Hardness (Janka)
2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, with excellent resistance to decay, rot, and most insect attacks.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 10.00 to 20.00 USD per board foot.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent piece, likely less than 5 years old based on the active purple oxidation state.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and generally not on the IUCN Red List, though sustainable harvesting varies by region.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, heavy construction, boat building, turnery, 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. It tends to dull cutting edges quickly, and heating from dull blades can cause the wood to exude a gummy resin.
Finish Recommendations
Finishes well, though wiping the surface with a solvent like acetone immediately before gluing or finishing helps remove surface oils and ensures better adhesion.
Notable Features
Famous for its striking, natural purple color. It contains a resin that can gum up tools and occasionally cause allergic reactions such as skin irritation.
