Olivewood
Olea europaea • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked grain with distinctive wavy or curly figure. Fine, uniform texture.
Color Description
Creamy golden heartwood with contrasting dark brown or black streaks. Develops a deeper, richer patina with age; sapwood is pale yellow and generally excluded from feature pieces.
Hardness Rating
2,710 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding decay resistance, though susceptible to insect attack if left in outdoor conditions.
Common Uses
High-end knife handles, kitchen utensils (bowls, cutting boards), small turned objects, decorative veneers, and fine furniture accents.
Geographic Origin
Native to the Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $40.00 per board foot, often sold by the piece or kilogram for carving/turning blanks.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from a mature tree (likely 100+ years old given the grain density) and shows minor oxidation suggesting it has been harvested and processed within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; generally sustainable as it is often a byproduct of fruit orchard rejuvenation.
Workability
Difficult due to high density and interlocked grain. Can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes very well due to high natural oil content.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, fruity scent when worked. High oil content makes it naturally water-resistant and excellent for food-contact items. Very heavy and dense.
Finish Recommendations
Natural oils (mineral or linseed) or wax finishes are best to highlight chatoyance. High-gloss polyurethane can also be used but requires surface degreasing.
Identification Confidence
Medium. While the marbled brown-on-gold streaks and small-cylindrical application are classic indicators of Olea europaea, the image blurriness prevents a definitive confirmation of the pore structure.