Purpleheart
Peltogyne spp. · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Central and South America (from Mexico down through Brazil)
- Hardness
- 2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and most insect attacks.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular or wavy 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 to a vibrant deep purple. With further aging and continued light exposure, it turns to a dark brown with a purplish hue. Sapwood is a contrasting yellowish-white.
Hardness (Janka)
2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and most insect attacks.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $18.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent cut, showing typical bright purple coloration before complete UV oxidation to dark brown.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, though selective harvesting practices vary by region.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, heavy construction, boat building, turnery, inlay, 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. Heating the wood slightly can help with bending, and gluing can be tricky due to natural resins.
Finish Recommendations
Takes finishes well, but clear coats or finishes with UV blockers are recommended to slow down the natural aging process from purple to brown.
Notable Features
Exudes a mild, somewhat unpleasant scent when being worked. Contains natural resins that can gum up saw blades.
