Olivewood
Olea europaea • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked with wavy and swirling patterns, often featuring dramatic marble-like figure or dark brown contrasting streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood is a creamy yellowish-brown with high-contrast darker brown or black streaks. Sapwood is typically pale yellow. The wood has a high natural luster and develops a deep, rich patina with age and skin contact oils.
Hardness Rating
2,710 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; high resistance to rot but susceptible to insect attack if used outdoors. Generally unsuitable for exterior use due to poor dimensional stability.
Common Uses
Small decorative items, turned bowls, kitchen utensils (spoons/boards), jewelry beads, knife handles, and high-end pens.
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 to $50.00 per board foot for high-figure turning stock.
Wood Age Estimate
Indeterminate from sample size; however, the deep golden-brown oxidation suggests a vintage piece or well-seasoned heartwood.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed or on the IUCN Red List; generally sustainable as wood is usually harvested from older trees that have ceased fruit production.
Workability
Difficult due to high density and interlocked grain which causes tearout. High natural oil content can make gluing difficult without surface preparation, but it sands to an exceptional natural shine.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, fruity accompanying scent when worked. High oil content provides natural water resistance and a smooth, waxy feel.
Finish Recommendations
Food-safe mineral oils or beeswax for utensils; shellac or CA glue (cyanoacrylate) for small turned items like beads to preserve the high-contrast figure.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the yellowish-tan base color combined with the marble-like dark streaks and tight grain density is characteristic of Olea europaea, commonly used for small turned objects or beads.