Likely Purpleheart; alternatives include bubinga or padauk, though the fine, straight purple grain most strongly suggests purpleheart.
Peltogyne spp. · Hardwood; Exotic/Tropical
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood; Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Humid tropical forests of Central and South America, especially the Guianas and Amazon Basin.
- Hardness
- Approximately 2,520 lbf Janka; Extremely Hard.
- Durability
- Very Durable; strong resistance to decay, rot, and insects, with good outdoor performance when properly finished.
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Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight, fine, and moderately tight, with subtle interlocking and darker longitudinal streaks; appears flat-sawn or plain-sawn rather than figured.
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut wood ranges from violet-brown to vivid purple, often darkening toward deep purple-brown with oxidation and ultraviolet exposure; sapwood is generally paler.
Hardness (Janka)
Approximately 2,520 lbf Janka; Extremely Hard.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; strong resistance to decay, rot, and insects, with good outdoor performance when properly finished.
Value & Age
Approximately US$15–30 per board foot for clear retail stock, varying substantially by thickness, width, and figure.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The sample appears freshly machined or lightly aged; its strong purple color suggests limited oxidation, but age cannot be reliably determined visually.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, turning, knife scales, decorative panels, inlays, and specialty construction.
Geographic Origin
Humid tropical forests of Central and South America, especially the Guianas and Amazon Basin.
Workability
Machines cleanly but is very dense and can blunt cutters; sanding is effective, while planing may show tearout with interlocked grain. Pre-drilling is recommended; gluing is generally satisfactory after clean surface preparation.
Finish Recommendations
Use a clear UV-resistant lacquer, polyurethane, or epoxy finish; penetrating oils can deepen the color but may accelerate visual darkening. Sand evenly and remove dust thoroughly before finishing.
Notable Features
Exceptional purple coloration, high density, fine texture, and good dimensional stability; color typically mellows toward brown-purple over time.