Olive
Olea europaea • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and interlocked with wavy and curly figuring; features marbled streaks and dramatic contrasts
Color Description
Heartwood is a cream or yellowish-brown with darker brown to black contrasting streaks; color tends to deepen/yellow with age; high natural luster
Hardness Rating
2,710 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; poor resistance to insect attack but good resistance to rot in indoor dry environments
Common Uses
High-end furniture, turned objects, veneer, knife handles, kitchen items like bowls and cutting boards, and small decorative items
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean region (Europe, North Africa, Middle East)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 to $50.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity
Wood Age Estimate
Modern blank; small dimensions and clean edges suggest recent kiln drying or stable air drying for craft use
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; prone to tearout during surfacing; glues and finishes well but requires sharp tools
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, olive-like scent when being worked; high oil content; very heavy and dense with excellent finishing potential
Finish Recommendations
Oil finishes (tung or linseed) are best to highlight marbling; clear lacquer or wax also work well; avoid heavy film finishes that mask texture
Identification Confidence
High; the cream-colored base with dark, irregular 'marbled' streaks and the fine, uniform texture are definitive characteristics of Olive wood