Olive
Olea europaea • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain with irregular, marble-like figure and occasional dark streaks
Color Description
Heartwood is cream or yellowish brown with darker brown or black contrasting streaks; color tends to deepen with age; high natural luster
Hardness Rating
2,700 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; poor resistance to insect attack but good resistance to rot in indoor conditions
Common Uses
High-end furniture, turned objects, knife handles, bowls, decorative veneers, and small specialty wood items
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe, North Africa, and Middle East)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $25.00 - $45.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity
Wood Age Estimate
Pre-milled modern stock based on the clean mechanical cuts and lack of deep oxidation or weathering
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally sustainable as material is often sourced from orchard pruning
Workability
Difficult due to high density and interlocked grain; can cause significant blunting of cutting edges; glues and finishes very well due to high natural oil content
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, olive-like scent when being worked; high oil content makes it feel somewhat greasy; very heavy and dense
Finish Recommendations
Natural oils or wax to highlight the figure; shellac and lacquer also work well, but surface should be wiped with solvent before gluing/finishing
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct yellowish-brown base with irregular dark streaks and high-density appearance is characteristic of Olea europaea