Olive
Olea europaea • Exotic/Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and wild grain pattern; interlocked and wavy with distinct dark brown streaks creating a marbled appearance.
Color Description
Creamy yellowish-brown heartwood with high-contrast dark brown or black streaks throughout. Luster is medium-high. Tends to darken slightly over time without losing contrast.
Hardness Rating
2,700 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance but susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, knife handles, small turned objects, pens, bowls, flooring, and decorative veneer.
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (undated); likely heartwood section from a slow-growing older limb or trunk based on growth-ring density.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available as a byproduct of olive fruit production.
Workability
Difficult due to density and wild grain; high risk of tearout. Gluing can be tricky due to natural oil content. Polishes to an extremely smooth finish.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, olive-like scent when being worked; high natural oil content; very heavy and dense.
Finish Recommendations
Natural oil finishes (tung or linseed) are recommended to enhance colors; shellac or lacquer work well but require surface de-oiling with solvent first.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic marble-like brown streaks against a pale cream background and the tightly interlocked wild grain are unique diagnostic features of the Olea genus.