Purpleheart  (Peltogyne spp)

Purpleheart

Peltogyne spp.

Trade Name: Purpleheart

Botanical Name: Peltogyne spp.

Common Names: Purpleheart, Amaranth Holz, Bois Violet, Legno Viola, Pau Roxo, パープルハート, 紫心木 (Zǐ xīn mù), पर्पल हार्ट लकड़ी

Growing Areas and Distribution:

  • Native to tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly in Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil.

  • Thrives in humid, nutrient-rich soils.

Tree Size:

  • Height: Typically reaches 100-130 feet (30-40 meters).

  • Diameter: Trunk diameter can range from 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters).

Physical Properties:

  • Average Dried Weight: 56 lbs/ft³ (900 kg/m³) - Moderately dense.

  • Janka Hardness: 2,400 lbf (10,700 N) - Moderately hard.

  • Modulus of Rupture: 18,000 psi (124 MPa) - Good bending strength.

  • Elastic Modulus: 2,200,000 psi (15.2 GPa) - Moderately stiff.

  • Shrinkage: Moderate shrinkage, similar to other hardwoods.

Appearance and Working Properties:

  • Color/Appearance: Heartwood is a striking purple-brown color that can darken with age. Sapwood is pale yellow.

  • Grain/Texture: Fine and even texture with a natural luster. Grain is typically straight but can be slightly interlocked.

  • Rot Resistance: Rated as moderately durable; resistant to decay and insect attack.

  • Workability: Easy to work with sharp tools. Takes a beautiful finish.

  • Odor: No characteristic odor.

  • Allergies/Toxicity: No known allergies or toxicity associated with Purpleheart.

Uses and Applications:

  • Cabinetry and furniture: High-end furniture, countertops, and cabinetry.

  • Musical instruments: Guitar fretboards, violin bows, and other stringed instruments.

  • Fine woodworking: Bowls, pens, jewelry, and other decorative items.

  • Turning: Turned objects such as bowls, vases, and pens.

  • Inlays and marquetry: Decorative accents in furniture and cabinetry.

Pricing/Availability:

  • Pricing: Purpleheart is a popular hardwood and can be moderately priced compared to some exotic woods. Prices may vary depending on quality, dimensions, and availability.

  • Availability: Moderately available, although supply can fluctuate due to harvesting practices and market demand.

Sustainability:

  • Sustainability: Purpleheart is generally considered a sustainable wood species, and many suppliers adhere to responsible forestry practices. However, it's essential to choose suppliers who prioritize sustainable sourcing and support responsible harvesting.

Comments:

  • Purpleheart's striking purple-brown color and moderate hardness make it a popular choice for high-end woodworking projects.

  • Its durability and workability make it suitable for a wide range of applications.

  • While it's generally considered a sustainable species, it's important to support suppliers who prioritize responsible forestry practices.

Don't wait – let Purpleheart transform your vision into reality.

Contact us today:

  • Visit our website to place your order directly.

  • Email us at info@exoticwoodsource.com with any questions or inquiries.

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