Olive wood
Olea europaea · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East), specifically commonly harvested in the Holy Land (Bethlehem/Jerusalem area) for religious items.
- Hardness
- 2,710 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; has some resistance to rot but is primarily used for indoor decorative items and kitchenware.
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Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked grain. The sample features wild, wavy patterns with dark streaks and swirling figure, likely containing sections of burl or crotch wood near the knots.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a creamy yellowish-brown with darker brown and blackish streaks. High natural luster and chatoyancy are present. The color typically deepens and becomes richer with age and oil application.
Hardness (Janka)
2,710 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; has some resistance to rot but is primarily used for indoor decorative items and kitchenware.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $25.00 - $45.00 per board foot, though usually sold in small turning blanks or specialized carvings rather than large boards.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The sample itself appears to be modern (10-30 years based on finish), but is likely carved from a tree that was hundreds of years old, given the dense grain and slow growth patterns.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES or the IUCN Red List; generally sustainable as it is often harvested from pruned branches or trees that are no longer productive for olives.
Common Uses
Religious artifacts (crosses), bowls, kitchen utensils, fine furniture accents, veneers, and wood turning.
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East), specifically commonly harvested in the Holy Land (Bethlehem/Jerusalem area) for religious items.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and interlocked grain. Can cause significant dulling of tools. However, it turns and carves beautifully and takes a very high natural polish.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for natural oils (mineral oil, tung oil) or wax to highlight the wild grain. Hard films like polyurethane can sometimes have adhesion issues due to the wood's high oil content.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, fruity scent when worked. High oil content makes it feel slightly waxy and provides natural water resistance. High density makes the wood quite heavy.
