With a height of 38-45m, the straight cylindrical branchless log is (5-)12-15(-20) m long and is (0.4-)0.7(-1.0) m in diameter.

The fawn-brown heartwood quickly discolors to a beautiful purple-blue when exposed to light. To best preserve this color, the wood should be well sealed from the air with wax or certain varnishes. 

Applications include decorative work, sculpture and carving, small furniture, turnery, paneling, mouldings, knobs and handles, dimensional laths, knife handles, handrails, musical instruments, flutes, conductor's batons, veneer, etc. Purpleheart is suitable for use in the chemical industry. In the countries of origin also used for construction wood frames, windows, beams, industrial floors, water and bridge construction, fenders, ship keels, pallets, etc.