Olive Wood
Olea europaea • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked with wild wavy figure; contains significant burling and natural inclusions around knots and defects.
Color Description
Creamy golden-yellow heartwood with dark brown to nearly black contrasting streaks; high natural luster that darkens and deepens with age into a rich amber tone.
Hardness Rating
2,710 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; high natural resistance to rot and decay, though sensitive to insect attack if left outdoors.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, turned objects, bowls, kitchen utensils (cutting boards), decorative veneer, and small novelty items.
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and size.
Wood Age Estimate
50+ years based on the tight growth rings and deep oxidation, though the tree itself was likely centuries old given the trunk complexity.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally sustainable as it is often harvested from non-productive orchard trees.
Workability
Difficult to work due to high density and interlocked grain which causes frequent tearout; glues and finishes exceptionally well due to natural oil content.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, fruity scent when worked; very oily texture; high silica content can dull blades quickly.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax are preferred to highlight natural chatoyance; thin coats of shellac or lacquer or wipe-on polyurethane also work well.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the marble-like dark streaks on a golden base, the specific wavy figure, and the characteristic checking/natural voids are diagnostic of Olive wood.