Heaviest wood I have ever worked with. Harder & heavier than desert ironwood. Cracks easily, though, kinda like snakewood. It's actually very similar to snakewood in every aspect except grain & color.
I'd say no, not purple enough Bob. I love camatillo rosewood. I also love Amazon rosewood (Dalbergia Spruceana). Its a great tonewood and looks terrific in a cue if you're working from a good board or billet. Looks like a rich brown Brazilian. The supplier I bought some from almost 2 years ago hasn't received any more. I haven't seen it online anywhere either, except for guitar backs and sides.