Olive
Olea europaea • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked grain; features dramatic wavy and curly figure with distinct wavy growth rings (cathedral-like marbling).
Color Description
Heartwood is a creamy tan to yellowish-brown with high-contrast, darker brown/black streaks. Sapwood is a lighter pale yellow. Features a natural high luster and chatoyance; tends to darken slightly and become more amber with age.
Hardness Rating
2,710 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding rot resistance; however, it is susceptible to insect attack if left outdoors. Best suited for indoor use.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, turnery (bowls), knife handles, decorative veneers, religious carvings, and small specialty kitchen items like cutting boards.
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot (Highly dependent on the intensity of the figure/streaking).
Wood Age Estimate
Based on the sharp, fresh shavings and lack of oxidation, this appears to be a recently milled kiln-dried or air-dried block, likely from a tree over 100 years old given the grain density.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally sustainable as many pieces are harvested from old orchard trees no longer producing fruit.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and interlocked grain which can cause significant tearout. It has a high oil content that can gum up sandpaper but glues well if surfaces are wiped with solvent first.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, olive-like scent when being worked. High natural oil content makes it feel somewhat waxy. Extremely heavy and dense.
Finish Recommendations
Natural oil (Linseed or Tung) or wax finishes are best to highlight the figure. Polyurethane can be used but may require a shellac seal coat first to adhere to the natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic 'marbled' cream and brown streaking combined with the short, tight grain structure and visible curly figure are definitive markers of Mediterranean Olive wood.