Nazareno
Scientific Name: Peltogyne purpurea
Overview
Nazareno is a visually striking Central American hardwood best known for its dramatic color transformation. When freshly cut, the heartwood appears brown to dull purple. With exposure to air and light, it oxidizes into a vivid purple to deep violet tone.
Native to Central America, Nazareno belongs to the Peltogyne genus and represents the regional occurrence of what is commonly known as Purpleheart. Its bold coloration and durability have made it popular for decorative woodworking, specialty turning, and fine furniture accents.
Nazareno represents the vibrant, color-forward category of tropical hardwoods within the Central American region.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Nazareno
- Scientific Name: Peltogyne purpurea
- Region: Central American Hardwoods (Central America – Costa Rica, Panama, and surrounding regions)
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 54 lbs/ft³ (865 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,520 lbf
- Color: Grayish brown when freshly cut, turning deep purple upon exposure to light
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Nazareno is most easily identified by its purple heartwood after oxidation. Freshly milled boards may appear brown or muted purple, but exposure to UV light intensifies the color into a rich violet tone.
The grain is typically straight, though mild interlocking can occur. Texture ranges from fine to medium, and pores are small and evenly distributed.
Key identification traits include:
- Purple to violet coloration after exposure
- Uniform fine to medium texture
- Dense, heavy feel for its size
- Even, subtle grain pattern
- Color darkens and deepens over time
Working Properties
Nazareno is dense and hard but generally machines well with sharp tools.
- Turns very well
- Sands smoothly
- May burn if tools are dull
- Glues reliably when surfaces are prepared
- Finishes beautifully with clear coats
- Color may shift slightly under certain finishes
Because of its hardness and stability, it performs well in small structural components and decorative applications.
Safety Note
Dust may cause irritation or sensitization in some individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended.
Common Uses
Nazareno is commonly used in:
- Fine furniture accents
- Decorative inlay work
- Turned bowls and vessels
- Knife handles
- Musical instrument components
- Specialty architectural details
Its vibrant coloration makes it especially desirable for contrast pieces and segmented turning.
Sustainability & Notes
Some Peltogyne species are subject to regional harvesting controls. Availability may vary depending on export regulations and forestry management practices.
Responsible sourcing is recommended.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Purpleheart – A closely related species in the Peltogyne genus known for its distinctive purple coloration and use in fine woodworking, flooring, and decorative projects.
Granadillo – A dense tropical hardwood valued for its strength and reddish-brown color, often used in musical instruments and specialty woodworking.
Gonçalo Alves – A decorative hardwood known for its bold grain patterns and contrast, commonly used in furniture, flooring, and turning.
Related Guides
How to Identify Exotic Hardwood by Grain Pattern
Studying grain structure and color variation helps distinguish uniquely colored hardwoods like Nazareno from other tropical species.
Color Changes in Tropical Hardwoods Over Time
Some hardwoods, especially purple-toned species, undergo noticeable color changes when exposed to light and air.
Density & Hardness Explained (Janka Scale Guide)
Understanding hardness ratings helps explain the durability and working properties of dense hardwood species.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Nazareno is highly desirable in turning blanks and small boards due to its vivid coloration. Fully oxidized purple pieces are especially valued by collectors.
Boards with uniform color and minimal brown undertones are typically preferred.
Video Overview
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• THORVALD 3-in-1 Carpenter Mechanical Pencil Set for making precise layout marks on wood, lumber, drywall, concrete, and other construction materials
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• Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue (18 oz) for creating strong, waterproof bonds in indoor and outdoor woodworking, furniture, and repair projects
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• DEWALT 21-Piece Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set for drilling clean, accurate holes in wood, metal, and plastic with long-lasting pilot point bits
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