Olivewood
Olea europaea • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy, and irregular grain typical of orchard-grown trees; exhibits high-contrast marbling and wild swirling patterns on the turned surface.
Color Description
Heartwood is cream or yellowish brown with darker brown or black contrasting streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. It has a high natural luster and develops a rich, golden patina with age and skin oil contact.
Hardness Rating
2,710 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable regarding rot resistance, though vulnerable to insect attack; primarily used for indoor high-end craft due to movement in varying humidity.
Common Uses
Writing instruments (pens), kitchenware (bowls, spoons), furniture accents, high-end knife handles, and religious carvings.
Geographic Origin
Mediterranean Basin (Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot; often sold as small turning blanks for $5 - $15 each due to rarity and density.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be modern, likely harvested and turned within the last 5-10 years, showing typical oxidation for semi-fresh finished olivewood.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally sustainable as wood is often harvested from old trees no longer productive for fruit/oil.
Workability
Challenging due to high density and interlocked grain; prone to checking and cracking if not dried slowly. Glues and finishes very well due to high natural oil content.
Notable Features
Distinctive sweet, fruity scent when worked. High oil content provides a smooth, waxy feel. Highly sought after for its dramatic aesthetic appeal in small-scale turnings.
Finish Recommendations
Natural oils (tung, linseed), carnauba wax, or friction polishes are best to highlight chatoyancy; CA glue finishes are common for pens to provide a durable high-gloss shell.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the yellowish-tan base with dark, marbled, wavy grain patterns on a small turned object like a pen is a classic hallmark of Mediterranean Olivewood.