Olive
Olea europaea
Olive wood is prized for its distinctive cream and dark brown streaked figure, derived from trees cultivated for olive oil. Despite its Mediterranean origins, it is used worldwide for turnery, small luxury items, and decorative inlays. The wood is dense and takes a fine polish.
Botanical Profile
Olea europaea is a small evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean, typically reaching 8-15 meters. Cultivated for millennia for fruit and oil, the wood comes from pruned branches and felled trees. Growth is slow, producing dense, fine-grained timber with irregular figure.
Physical Properties
Heartwood is cream to yellowish-brown with irregular dark brown or black streaks creating distinctive figure. Sapwood is pale yellow. Density averages 900 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 2,700 lbf. Fine, even texture with often wild or irregular grain.
Workshop Notes
Blunting Effect
Moderate - dense wood dulls tools
Gluing Advice
Good with proper preparation
Finishing
Excellent - takes oil and wax beautifully
Steam Bending
Poor - irregular grain
Historical Context
Olive wood has been used in the Mediterranean since antiquity for carving, small utensils, and religious objects. The tree symbolizes peace and prosperity. Modern use focuses on turnery and luxury small goods from orchard prunings.
Technical Specs
Sustainable - cultivated widely; wood is byproduct of olive oil industry