Olive
Olea europaea · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin, Middle East, and cultivated globally in warm temperate regions
- Hardness
- 2700 lbf - Extremely Hard
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable, with good resistance to decay but vulnerable to insect attack
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Irregular and wild grain with swirling patterns, prominent growth rings, and decorative burls/knots visible on the cross-section slice
Color & Appearance
Creamy yellowish-brown sapwood with striking, contrasting dark brown to nearly black heartwood streaks, high natural luster
Hardness (Janka)
2700 lbf - Extremely Hard
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable, with good resistance to decay but vulnerable to insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 15 to 30 dollars per board foot, highly valued for decorative turning blanks
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated several decades based on growth ring count and recent drying/cutting state of the cross-section cookie
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES or IUCN red list as endangered; harvested primarily from cultivated orchard trees pruned or removed for agriculture
Common Uses
Small decorative items, fine furniture inlay, turning, carving, knife handles, luxury specialty items, and small bowls
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean Basin, Middle East, and cultivated globally in warm temperate regions
Workability
Moderately difficult to work due to density, interlocking grain, and tendency to crack or check during drying, but glues and finishes well
Finish Recommendations
Natural oils like walnut oil or Danish oil, shellac, and polyurethane; oils help deeply enhance the contrasting color lines
Notable Features
High natural oil content giving it a distinct fruity scent when freshly cut, dense weight, striking contrasting color lines
