Characteristics: Purple Heart is an exotic and imported hardwood that is strong and resilient, and has a uniform fine-to-medium texture. The grain is usually straight, but can be irregular. The wood is purple which darkens in time through oxidation.

Common Uses: Purple Heart is fantastic for turnery - chemical vats - heavy construction - flooring - billiard cue butts - handles and cabinetry. A dye produced from the wood is used for textile fabrics.

Working Properties: The wood works well as long as tool cutting edges are kept sharp. It is a very good turnery wood and takes polish and glue well. To preserve the rich natural color, wax is often the only coating applied.

Common Name: Purple Heart (amaranth)

Tree is Native To: South America and Central America

Botanical Classification: Peltogyne paniculata

Family: Leguminosae

Average Dried Weight: 70 lb/ft.

Average Specific Gravity: .90