I was cutting up a few blocks of Cocobolo for a turned box project. I was surprised when I cut the block on the right because I have never seen this purplish color in Cocobolo (although I have not used a lot of it so my experience is limited). My experience has been more like the block on the left. Both pieces as shown are freshly sliced with the band saw.

I notified my supplier and sent them this picture and they confirmed that both blanks are Cocobolo. Is the purplish color typical in this species in your experience?

Mystery Wood .jpg