Purpleheart
Peltogyne purpurea · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Central and South America (from Mexico down through Brazil)
- Hardness
- 2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to rot, decay, and most insect attacks
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular or interlocked grain with a medium texture
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut heartwood is a dull brown, but upon exposure to UV light it rapidly oxidizes to a vibrant, deep purple. With further aging and prolonged light exposure, the wood 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 rot, decay, and most insect attacks
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $20.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent stock, showing standard surface oxidation towards a deep purple hue
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on the CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, though selective harvesting applies
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, boat building, heavy construction, turnings, and specialty items
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (from Mexico down through Brazil)
Workability
Difficult to work due to its extreme hardness and density. It tends to dull cutting edges quickly and can gum up tools with its gummy resin when heated from friction
Finish Recommendations
Finishes well, though wiping the surface with a solvent like acetone prior to gluing can help with its natural oils. Clear finishes or UV-inhibiting topcoats help preserve the vibrant purple color
Notable Features
Contains a resin that turns bright purple upon exposure to light; extremely dense and heavy with high resistance to wear
