Difference between revisions of "Purpleheart"

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[[File:1985.924-SC14552.jpg|thumb|]]
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[[File:1985.924-SC14552.jpg|thumb|Grand piano<br>MFA# 1985.924]]
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
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[[File:65.2504-C25964CR-d1.jpg|thumb|Jewelry cabinet<br>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.
 
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.
  
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''Peltogyne''; amaranth (wood); violet wood; amarante (Fr.); amaranto (Esp.) ; pau roxo (Port.)
 
''Peltogyne''; amaranth (wood); violet wood; amarante (Fr.); amaranto (Esp.) ; pau roxo (Port.)
  
[[File:65.2504-C25964CR-d1.jpg|thumb|]]
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== Physical and Chemical Properties ==
== Other Properties ==
 
 
 
Tree grows to heights of 50 m and diameter of 1 m. Specific gravity = 0.8-1.0 (air dry)
 
  
{| class="wikitable"
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* Tree grows to heights of 50 m and diameter of 1 m.
|-
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* Specific gravity = 0.8-1.0 (air dry)
! scope="row"| Density
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* Density = 60-65 ppcf
| 60-65 ppcf
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* Heartwood is dull purplish brown when cut but with exposure to air turns a deep eggplant purple; with further aging it becomes dark brown
|}
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* Grain is usually straight and texture is medium with a good natural luster
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* Wood is very resistant to decay and insect attack
  
 
== Additional Images ==
 
== Additional Images ==
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</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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==Working Properties==
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* 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
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* Depending on the grain orientation, it can be difficult to plane without tearout.
  
== Sources Checked for Data in Record ==
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==Resources and Citations==
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* The Wood Database: [https://www.wood-database.com/purpleheart/ Purpleheart]
  
 
* Gordon Hanlon, contributed information, 1998
 
* Gordon Hanlon, contributed information, 1998

Latest revision as of 14:52, 22 October 2022

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

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