Purpleheart
Peltogyne spp. • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be wavy or interlocked. Medium to fine texture with a natural luster.
Color Description
Freshly cut heartwood is grayish/purplish brown; after exposure it turns deep eggplant purple. With age and UV, it shifts to dark brown with a purple hue.
Hardness Rating
2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and most insect attacks, though it can be susceptible to marine borers.
Common Uses
Inlays, flooring, furniture, boatbuilding, heavy construction, specialty wood items, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (predominantly Brazil, Guyana, and Suriname).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample; showing surface oxidation consistent with a few years of storage (the deep purple to brownish transition).
Sustainability Status
Most species are not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List, but Peltogyne venosa is listed as Vulnerable.
Workability
Challenging; can be difficult to work with hand tools. It exudes a gummy resin when heated by high-speed tools, leading to charred surfaces and clogged blades.
Notable Features
Distinctive purple color; very dense and heavy; can cause skin irritation or respiratory distress in sensitive individuals during machining.
Finish Recommendations
UV-inhibiting finishes are highly recommended to preserve the purple color; oil-based finishes may accelerate the darkening/browning process.
Identification Confidence
High; the unique deep purple hue, density, and grain structure are highly characteristic of the Peltogyne genus.