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. Working with Purpleheart can present some unique challenges: if the 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, can be difficult to plane without tear-out. Purpleheart also has a moderate dulling effect on cutters. Common uses include inlays/accent pieces, flooring, furniture, boatbuilding, heavy construction, and a variety of specialty wood items. Pen Blank approx. 5/8" - 3/4" square x 5" - 6" long.