Scientific Name
Peltogyne paniculata
Other Names
Violetwood, pau roxo, pau ferro, coracy, amaranth
Family
Fabaceae or Leguminosae, the legume family
Geography
Found in South America from San Paulo in Brazil to Trinidad and Panama
Properties
The sapwood of purpleheart is pinkish with light brown streaks. The heartwood is a dull brown when cut but changes to violet purple upon exposure to light. It has a medium luster and is straight grained with a fine and even texture.
Workability
You must machine purpleheart slowly and all cutting tools must be of high speed steel. Some tearing can occur when planing if the grain is interlocked. It has a tendency to split when nailed. It will finish nicely but most people choose to use a natural color wax for preservation. Purpleheart is dimensionally stable and has the ability to withstand sudden shock.
Uses
Because of its durability, purpleheart is often used for outdoor construction such as bridges and dock work. It has good acid resistance and can also be used in chemical plants for vats and filter press plates. It has an excellent abrasion resistance when used as flooring. It is used commonly in Brazil for spokes for cart wheels. It is highly used in pool cue butts, handles and general cabinetry. Purpleheart is also used for decorative veneer, inlay, and marquetry.
Price Level
Limited availability, moderate price range
