Purpleheart
Peltogyne spp. (primarily P. paniculata and P. porphyrocardia) · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and South America (ranging from Mexico to southern Brazil, with significant presence in the Amazon basin).
- Hardness
- 2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and most insect attacks, though it can be susceptible to marine borers.
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Grain Pattern
Usually straight, but can be wavy or interlocked. The sample shows a flat-sawn cathedral figure with prominent, medium-textured pores.
Color & Appearance
Freshly cut heartwood is a grayish-purple brown. Exposure to UV light quickly turns it to a deep eggplant purple. With age and more light, it eventually turns a dark brown with a purple hue. Sapwood is typically whitish-yellow.
Hardness (Janka)
2,520 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, decay, and most insect attacks, though it can be susceptible to marine borers.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 to $20.00 per board foot depending on width and figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern; the vibrant purple suggests a relatively recent cut or recent sanding, as aged Purpleheart loses this brightness without UV inhibitors.
- Sustainability Status
- Not currently listed in CITES Appendices, but some species are on the IUCN Red List as vulnerable due to habitat loss. FSC certification is available.
Common Uses
Luxury furniture, flooring, heavy construction, boat building, pool cues, knife handles, jewelry boxes, and inlay work.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (ranging from Mexico to southern Brazil, with significant presence in the Amazon basin).
Workability
Difficult due to extreme hardness. Can dull tool edges quickly. If heated by friction (dull blades), it exudes a gummy resin that clogs tools and causes burning. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Film-building finishes with UV inhibitors are highly recommended to preserve the purple color as long as possible. Water-based finishes or lacquers work well; avoid heavy oils which can darken the wood to brown prematurely.
Notable Features
Famous for its unique natural purple color. It is exceptionally dense and strong. Some species have a faint scent when being worked. Can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
