Common Name: Purpleheart
Scientific Name: Peltogyne spp.
Wood Appearance: Purpleheart wood is instantly recognizable for its striking color transformation. When freshly cut, the heartwood is brown, but upon exposure to UV light, it rapidly oxidizes to a vibrant, deep purple hue. This intense purple color is attributed to high levels of pigmentation produced by the tree as a natural defense mechanism. Over time, with continued exposure, the purple can deepen or eventually tone down to a dark purplish-brown. The sapwood is distinctly off-white, cream, or whitish, and sharply demarcated from the heartwood. The wood typically has a medium to fine texture, with a grain that is usually straight but can sometimes be wavy, roey, or irregular, and occasionally interlocked.It generally possesses a medium to high luster and is without a distinctive odor or taste.
Physical Properties: Purpleheart is a dense and heavy wood, contributing to its strength and stability. Its air-dry density (at 12% moisture content) ranges from 880-960 kg/m³ (55-60 lbs/ft³) 15, with a specific gravity of 0.87. The Janka hardness is exceptionally high, ranging from 1,860 lb to 3,920 lb at 12% moisture content 13, with specific reports of 2,520 lbf 15 and 1,860 lbf. This high hardness provides superb resistance to abrasion, making it ideal for high-traffic applications. The wood exhibits small movement and is rated as moderately stable, retaining its shape and integrity once stabilized. Shrinkage from green to oven-dry is relatively low, with radial shrinkage around 3.2-4.4% and tangential shrinkage around 6.1-7.0%. The wood’s natural oils contribute to its durability by protecting it from moisture.
Mechanical Properties: Purpleheart possesses excellent mechanical strength, being described as a very hard and very heavy wood. Its bending strength (Modulus of Rupture, MOR) is high, ranging from 19,000-21,000 psi (131-145 MPa) at 12% MC, with specific values reported as 213 N/mm² and 20,450 lbf. The modulus of elasticity (MOE), indicating stiffness, is also very high, ranging from 2,500,000-2,700,000 psi (17.2-18.6 GPa) , with values of 23630 N/mm² and 3,082,051 lbf. The crushing strength is reported at 110 N/mm² and 11,603 lbf. These properties collectively demonstrate Purpleheart’s resilience under stress and ability to maintain form under load, making it suitable for both structural and ornamental applications.
Uses: Purpleheart’s unique aesthetic and impressive durability make it a popular choice for a wide range of applications. It is frequently used for high-end furniture, cabinetry, and flooring due to its strength and attractive appearance. Its hardness makes it ideal for high-traffic areas and outdoor furniture. Other applications include turnery (bowls, pens, vases), marquetry, sculpture, interior and exterior joinery, paneling, stairs, and even specialized items like billiard cue butts and chemical vats. In the USA, it is notably used for high-class coffins. Its bold color and fine grain make it a standout material for decorative accents and inlays.