Hardwood species / purple-heart

Purpleheart

A vibrant, ultra-durable hardwood prized for its bold natural colour and exceptional strength.

Common Name(s)

Purpleheart, Amaranth, Violetwood

Scientific Name

Peltogyne spp.

Distribution

Central and South America (Brazil, Guyana, Suriname)

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About Purpleheart

Purple-Heart is a dense, exotic hardwood prized for its bold natural purple coloration and exceptional durability. Native to Central and South America, it is known for its strength, stability, and resistance to decay and insects. Its striking appearance and long-term performance make it ideal for fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and architectural applications. When properly finished, Purple-Heart maintains its rich colour and delivers outstanding longevity.

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Key Attributes

Appearance

Colour

Light purple to deep purple-brown

Grain

Straight, occasionally wavy

Texture

Fine, uniform

Density

Very Hard

Performance

Workability

Difficult (high density + oily)

Durability

Very High

Stability

Moderate (prone to shrinkage but manageable)

Measured performance

Technical Information

Reference values from the Evergreen species catalogue. Talk with our team about your project conditions.

Property	Value
Janka Hardness	1,280–2,480 lbf (11,190 N)
Modulus of Rupture	10,870 psi (green) → 14,460 psi (12% MC)
Modulus of Elasticity	1,480,000 psi (green) → 1,760,000 psi (12% MC)
Density	48–74 lbs/ft³ (avg ≈64)
Crushing Strength	6,370 psi (green) → 11,210 psi (12% MC)
Shrinkage (Radial)	5.8%
Shrinkage (Tangential)	10.3%
Shrinkage (Volumetric)	15.9%
T/R Ratio	1.8
Workability	Difficult (high density + silica)
Planing	Fair, requires sharp tools
Sanding	Good
Finishing	Accepts oils and varnish well
Stability	Good dimensional stability
Durability	Excellent (resistant to decay)
Moisture Movement	Low–Moderate