Purpleheart

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Grand piano
MFA# 1985.924

Description

Jewelry cabinet
MFA# 65.2504

A purplish hardwood obtained from species in the genus Peltogyne that are native to tropical regions of Central and South America. Purpleheart or amaranth, wood has a fine, uniform texture and grain that is straight or slightly roey. The durable, shock-resistant wood is sometimes used for carving and for vehicle construction.

Synonyms and Related Terms

Peltogyne; amaranth (wood); violet wood; amarante (Fr.); amaranto (Esp.) ; pau roxo (Port.)

Physical and Chemical Properties

  • Tree grows to heights of 50 m and diameter of 1 m.
  • Specific gravity = 0.8-1.0 (air dry)
  • Density = 60-65 ppcf
  • Heartwood is dull purplish brown when cut but with exposure to air turns a deep eggplant purple; with further aging it becomes dark brown
  • Grain is usually straight and texture is medium with a good natural luster
  • Wood is very resistant to decay and insect attack

Additional Images

Working Properties

  • If wood is heated with dull tools, or if cutter speeds are too high, purpleheart will exude a gummy resin that can clog tools and complicate the machining process
  • Depending on the grain orientation, it can be difficult to plane without tearout.

Resources and Citations

  • Gordon Hanlon, contributed information, 1998
  • Ralph Mayer, A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, Harper and Row Publishers, New York, 1969 (also 1945 printing)
  • F. H. Titmuss, Commercial Timbers of the World, The Technical Press Ltd., London, 1965