Common Name(s): Purpleheart, Amaranth Scientific Name: Peltogyne spp. Distribution: Central and South America (from Mexico down to southern Brazil) Tree Size: 100-170 ft (30-50 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 56 lbs/ft3 (905 kg/m3) Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .76, .90 Janka Hardness: 2,520 lbf (11,190 N) Modulus of Rupture: 22,000 lbf/in2 (151.7 MPa) Elastic Modulus: 2,937,000 lbf/in2 (20.26 GPa) Crushing Strength: 12,140 lbf/in2 (83.7 MPa) Shrinkage: Radial: 3.8%, Tangential: 6.4%, Volumetric: 10.6%, T/R Ratio: 1.7 Color/Appearance: When freshly cut the heartwood of Purpleheart is a  dull grayish/purplish brown. Upon exposure the wood becomes a deeper eggplant purple. With further age and exposure to UV light, the wood becomes a dark brown with a hint of purple. This color-shift can be slowed and minimized by using a UV inhibiting finish on the wood. For more information, see the article Preventing Color Changes in Exotic Woods. Grain/Texture: The grain is usually straight, but can also be wavy or irregular. Has a medium texture with good natural luster. Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; medium to large pores, few; solitary and radial multiples; mineral deposits occasionally present; growth rings may be either distinct or indistinct depending on species and growing conditions; medium rays barely … Continue reading Purpleheart