Olive
Olea europaea • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked. This sample shows a dramatic wavy or curly figure with distinct marble-like swirls and dark streaks common in flat-sawn olive wood.
Color Description
Heartwood is a cream or yellowish-brown with contrasting dark brown to black streaks. Sapwood is a pale yellow. It possesses a high natural luster and develops a richer, deeper golden hue with age.
Hardness Rating
2,710 lbf - Extremely Hard
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay; however, it is susceptible to insect attack. Excellent resistance to indoor wear.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, veneers, turned objects, bowls, knife handles, cutting boards, and decorative small woodenware.
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean region (Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 to $50.00 per board foot, depending on the intensity of the figure.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears recently milled or processed given the sharp edges and lack of significant oxidation, likely under 5 years since harvesting.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally sustainable as it is often sourced from pruned orchard trees or old trees being replaced.
Workability
Difficult due to high density and interlocked grain. Can cause significant tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well, but requires sharp tools to prevent burning.
Notable Features
Distinctive, sweet, olive-like scent when being worked. Very oily texture and high density makes it feel cool to the touch. Known for its marble-like aesthetic.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for oil-based finishes (like linseed or tung oil) which enhance the depth of the grain. If used for food contact, a bees-wax/mineral oil blend is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High; the cream-colored base with distinctive dark, erratic, marble-like streaks and tight wavy grain is a classic diagnostic feature of Olea europaea.