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. Scientific name: Peltogyne venosaFamily: 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/m³Shrinkage (%): 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, marquetry, laminated beams, sliced veneer.