Olivewood
Olea europaea • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain with irregular swirls; may show moderate figure and burl-like clusters around knots
Color Description
Heartwood is cream or yellowish brown with darker brownish-black contrasting streaks. Color tends to deepen with age and UV exposure and has a naturally high luster.
Hardness Rating
2,710 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately durable with poor resistance to insect attack; primarily recommended for indoor high-end turnery.
Common Uses
Writing instruments (pens), knife handles, high-end furniture, flooring (occasionally), kitchenware (bowls and spoons), and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean Basin (Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $40.00 per board foot for high-figure turning blanks
Wood Age Estimate
Post-manufacturing; high polish and lack of significant oxidation suggests it is a contemporary piece, likely less than 5 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely cultivated for fruit and oil production.
Workability
Challenging due to high density and interlocked grain; prone to checking and warping during drying but turns and polishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, olive-like scent when being worked; high natural oil content gives it a smooth, tactile feel.
Finish Recommendations
Cyanoacrylate (CA) finish is preferred for pens; otherwise, oil-based finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the natural figure and chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; the creamy yellow base color combined with the specific irregular dark streaking and high polish is characteristic of Mediterranean Olivewood.