When freshly cut the heartwood of Purpleheart is a  dull grayish/purplish brown. Upon exposure to UV light the wood becomes a deeper eggplant purple. With many years of age and exposure to UV light, the wood becomes a dark brown with a hint of purple.  To prevent color change do not store under direct sunlight.  Sometimes called Amaranth, this colorful Latin American hardwood is tremendously popular for furniture and other designs that call for a unique splash of color.  In addition to its coloration, Purpleheart has excellent strength properties, and can be used in applications where strength is important—a wood for both form and function.

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​Origin:  Central and South America (from Mexico down to southern Brazil)

Janka Hardness:  2,520 lbf (11,190 N)