Olive Wood Specifications

Common Name(s): Olive
Scientific Name: Olea spp. (Olea europaea, O. capensis)
Distribution: Europe and eastern Africa
Tree Size: 25-50 ft (8-15 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1.0-1.5 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 62 lbs/ft3 (990 kg/m3)
Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .72, .99
Janka Hardness: 2,700 lbf (12,010 N)
Modulus of Rupture: 22,530 lbf/in2 (155.4 MPa)
Elastic Modulus: 2,577,000 lbf/in2 (17.77 GPa)
Crushing Strength: 11,180 lbf/in2 (77.1 MPa)
Shrinkage: Radial: 5.4%, Tangential: 8.8%, Volumetric: 14.4%, T/R Ratio: 1.6

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is a cream or yellowish brown, with darker brown or black contrasting streaks. Color tends to deepen with age. Olive is somtimes figured with curly or wavy grain, burl, or wild grain.

Grain/Texture: Grain may be straight, interlocked, or wild. Fine uniform texture with moderate natural luster.

Common Uses: High-end furniture, veneer, turned objects, and small specialty wood items.

(The Wood Database)