December 2014 - This pen was turned fromn Purple Heart. This is a hardwood and it is also known as amaranth, violetwood, coracy, pauroxo, pauferro, koroboreli, saka, nazareno, morado, and tananeo.
It is found primarily in tropical regions of Central America and South America.
It is generally straight grained, sometimes interlocked, with a fine even texture. Creamy white sapwood and vibrant purple heartwood that turns to dark-purplish brown with exposure to light.
This is very heavy, hard, strong, and stiff with good decay resistance and stability in service. Steam-bends moderately well.
It is sometimes difficult to work due to hardness and a tendency to tear and split. Pre-drilling required for screws and nails. Glues easily and polishes well with no staining