In article ,
Bill Rubenstein wrote:

The problem with purpleheart is that, over time and with exposure to UV
light, it will go from purple to a dark, not-very-attractive brown.

I guess that's in the eye of the beholder - The brown purpleheart I have
got is a perfectly attractive brown, not unlike black walnut (though a
lot harder to work with). The only thing "wrong" with it is that if one
was really set on it being purple, well, it's not, anymore. But it's not
ugly, in my opinion.

It's not a particularly oily wood (hard, abrasive, brittle, but not
oily), any usual finish should work.

If you keep the chess set out of the sun, the purple should last longer.

--
Cats, coffee, chocolate...vices to live by