South American Hardwood

Purperhart

Wood description

When freshly cut the heartwood of Purpleheart is a dull grayish/purplish brown. Upon exposure the wood becomes a deeper eggplant purple. With further age and exposure to UV light, the wood becomes a dark brown with a hint of purple. This color-shift can be slowed and minimized by using a UV inhibiting finish on the wood. The grain is usually straight, but can also be wavy or irregular. Has a medium texture with good natural luster.

Name                                                 : Purperhart

Scientific name                              : Peltogyne venosa

Family                                                 : Leguminosae (Cesalpiniodeae)

Origin                                                  : Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela

Other names                                    : Amarante, Morada, Ipé roxo, Koroboreli, Purpleheart

Natural Durability                          : Class 2-3 with good to very good resistance to termites

Density (12%)                                   : 840 kg/m³

Bending strength (12%)               : 155 N/mm²

Shrinkage (%)                                   : rad. 4,2%, tang. 6,9%

Drying                                                  : easy; risk of distortion and checking slight

Working                                               : moderately difficult

Finishing                                              : good

Uses                                                     : interior and exterior joinery, cabinet work, furniture,                                                                             stairs, flooring tool handles, billiard cue butts, carving,                                                                         turnery, marquety, laminated beams, sliced veneer.