Olive
Olea europaea • Exotic/Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy, and irregular grain typical of the species. The sample displays concentric rings that transition into wild, curly figures as it follows the contours of the bowl blank.
Color Description
Cream to pale yellow-brown heartwood with darker streaks of deep brown. Features a natural high luster and chatoyance. Colors tend to deepen and become more amber with age and sunlight exposure.
Hardness Rating
2,710 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; susceptible to insect attack in certain conditions, but possesses high natural oil content which offers some rot resistance.
Common Uses
High-end turning (bowls), small decorative items, knife handles, veneers, and fine furniture accents.
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe, North Africa, Middle East)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $30.00 per board foot depending on figure and source; often sold by weight for turning blanks.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample is freshly turned or recently worked, showing raw surface texture with minimal oxidation. The growth rings suggest a tree over 50 years old.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; however, slow growth makes old-growth timber less sustainable unless reclaimed from orchard pruning.
Workability
Difficult due to high density and interlocked grain. Prone to tearout during turning; requires very sharp tools. Glues and finishes well due to high natural oils, though surface preparation is key.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, fruity scent when worked. High oil content gives it a waxy feel. Highly valued for its unique acoustic and aesthetic properties.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax for bowls; shellac or polyurethane for decorative pieces to highlight the deep figure.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight growth rings, distinct cream-to-brown color transitions, and characteristic wild grain patterns are diagnostic of Olea europaea.