Olive
Olea europaea • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked. Frequently features dramatic wavy grain and burl-like swirling near branch unions. Distinctive high-contrast growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood is a creamy tan or yellowish-brown with high-contrast dark brown to black streaks. Sapwood is pale yellow to light cream. Color tends to deepen and become more golden with light exposure.
Hardness Rating
2,700 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack (beetles).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, heavy-duty turned objects (bowls), knife handles, kitchen utensils (cutting boards), veneer, and decorative inlay.
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe, Northern Africa, Middle East); widely cultivated in California and Australia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber; higher for figured burls.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly felled/green wood; likely 40-80 years old based on the diameter and visible growth rings of the logs provided in the image.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; widely cultivated, though slow-growing.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme density and interlocked grain which causes tearout. High oil content can interfere with gluing. Responds very well to sanding and polishing.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, olive-like scent when being worked. Very oily feel. High density makes it sink or nearly sink in water. Known for exceptional chatoyance when finished.
Finish Recommendations
Natural oils (tung, linseed) or wax finishes are best to highlight the natural grain. Surface must be wiped with solvent (acetone) before gluing or applying polyurethane due to natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of smooth grey bark, yellowish-tan heartwood with dark marbled streaks, and the characteristic branch structure is diagnostic for Olea europaea.