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Purpleheart

Peltogyne spp.
Also known as |
Amaranth|Nazareno|Peltogyne|Purple Heart|Violetwood
Purpleheart Lumber @ Rare Woods USA

Renowned for its vibrant purple hues, Purpleheart is not only visually striking but also one of the toughest woods in the world. Known for its exceptional stiffness and hardness, Purpleheart boasts an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, making it one of the most durable hardwoods available. Its natural water resistance, combined with its durability, has made it a popular choice for outdoor applications, such as decking and even truck bed flooring.

The wood typically features a straight or wavy grain, though some pieces may show more irregular patterns. Its texture ranges from fine to medium, and it has a natural luster that emerges beautifully when finely sanded. Purpleheart works well with sharp tools, making it suitable for turning, carving, and other detailed work. It also glues and finishes nicely, but sharp blades are essential for optimal results.

When first cut, Purpleheart has a dull brown color with faint purple tones. However, within minutes, it transitions into a range of rich purple hues, influenced by factors like species and growth environment. With continued exposure to UV rays, the color gradually darkens to a deeper brown with purple undertones. This color shift can be slowed with a finish that includes UV inhibitors, preserving the wood’s vibrant purple appearance.

Despite its generally cooperative workability, Purpleheart’s hardness and density can cause challenges if tools are dull. When resawing with a dull blade, the wood may overheat and release a black, tar-like resin that requires careful sanding to remove.

Although Purpleheart grows across a wide range in Central and South America with 23 recognized species, its popularity in recent years has led to overharvesting in some areas, putting pressure on certain populations. Conservation efforts are important to ensure the sustainable use of this remarkable wood.

Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Why We Love This Wood

It's purple baby!!!

Client Creations
    Quick Look
    Purpleheart Lumber @ Rare Woods USA
    https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/iterations-e1739159220458.jpg,Paul May https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/table-osageorangepurpleart-EricUnderwood.jpg,Eric Underwood https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/purpdesk1.jpg,https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/purpdesk2.jpg,https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/purpdesk3.jpg,https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/purpdesk5.webp,https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/purpdesk6.webp,Jeff Wierzbicki https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/11-30-21-Lady-Steam-done.jpg,https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2022-9-5-Cavalier-Cat.jpg,Jo Labre http://dev.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/urn-paulmay.jpg,Paul May http://dev.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/venniekrutz-cuttingboard.jpg,Vennie Krutz http://dev.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/purp-satin-stopper.jpeg,Aaron Bush http://dev.rarewoodsusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/vessel-paulmay.jpg,Paul May
    A Popular Choice in
    Vital Statistics
    Main Color GroupPurple
    Grain Pattern Pronounced
    Avg Dry Weight - LB/BF4.7
    Avg Dry Weight - KG/M3905
    Janka Hardness - LBF2520
    Janka Hardness - N11190
    Pricing

    Description

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    UOM

    Price

    Purpleheart-Select&better-4/4Lumber
    4/4 Lumber
    Select & better
    bf
    13
    bf
    no
    Purpleheart-Select&better-8/4Lumber

    8/4 Lumber

    Select & better
    bf
    14
    bf
    no

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    PURP1586_1
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    Curly figure. Tearout.

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    PURP1585_1
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    PURP1583_1
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    PURP1582_1
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    2.88"
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    PURP1581_1
    PURP1581
    2.88"
    x 3.81" x
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    Checks. Curly figure.

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    PURP1580_1
    PURP1580
    2.94"
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    PURP1579_1
    PURP1579
    2.94"
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    PURP1578_1
    PURP1578
    2.94"
    x 3.81" x
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    Cracks. Curly figure.

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    PURP1577_1
    PURP1577
    2.81"
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    PURP1576_1
    PURP1576
    2.81"
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    PURP1575_1
    PURP1575
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    purpleheart
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      Species Pricing Enquiry