Olive
Olea europaea · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin, Middle East, and cultivated globally in warm temperate climates.
- Hardness
- 2700 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable. Good resistance to fungi, but vulnerable to certain insect attacks.
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Grain Pattern
Wildly irregular, wavy, and interlocked grain with striking contrasting dark brown to black streaks, featuring natural burls and knot formations.
Color & Appearance
Creamy yellowish to golden brown background with dramatic dark brown, black, or greenish-black contrasting streaks. High natural luster and deep chatoyance, darkening gracefully with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
2700 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable. Good resistance to fungi, but vulnerable to certain insect attacks.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 to $30.00+ per board foot for figured or burl stock.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be from a mature or old-growth tree (likely 50-100+ years old), showing rich oxidation and deep patina.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices and not considered threatened by the IUCN. Commonly harvested from managed agricultural orchards or pruning waste.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, decorative turnings, small wooden specialties, carving, knife handles, luxury items, and high-end veneer.
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean Basin, Middle East, and cultivated globally in warm temperate climates.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools despite its extreme hardness, though irregular grain can cause tearout. Glues and finishes very well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes a fine polish and finishes exceptionally well with oils, wax, lacquer, or polyurethane to highlight the striking natural contrast and grain chatoyance.
Notable Features
High natural oil content giving it a fruity or distinctive scent, extreme density, beautiful contrasting grain lines, and high natural resistance to wear.
