Purpleheart

Amaranth Peltogyne spp.

Top portion of sample has water-based finish. Bottom portion is oil-based finish.

Appearance

Color: Heartwood is brown when freshly cut, turning deep purple to purplish brown over time. Sapwood is a lighter cream color.
Grain: Usually straight; medium to fine texture. Presence of minerals in some boards may cause uneven coloration.
Variations Within Species And Grades: Moderate to high color variation.

Properties

Hardness/Janka: Janka: 2890, (124% harder than Northern red oak.
Dimensional Stability: Above average (6.1; 29% more stable than Northern red oak).
Durability:

Workability

Sawing/Machining: Moderately difficult due to hardness; frequent sharpening of tools required; slow feed rate and carbide tooling recommended.
Sanding: Moderately difficult.
Nailing: Good holding ability.
Finishing: Takes finishes well; some have found that water-based finishes hold color better. Tendency to bleed with some finishes.

Comments: Often used as a feature strip or as part of an inlay.

Origin: Mexico, Central and South America.

Availability

Limited.