The Olive “Drink: table with Chrysocolla, Turquoise, and Copper Inlay is 19½” x 11” x 22¼”.

Olive wood (Olea from the Oleaceae family) is found in countries around the world but has origins in the Mediterranean region ranging from Spain to Greece. It is a very hard wood with tight grain and is valued for its color, patterns and durability. The tree can grow up to 50 feet tall with a trunk up to five feet in diameter. The heartwood is a lighter brown, almost gold in some cases. It can be cream, a yellowish or greenish brown as well. Typically there are black or dark brown streaks that flow with the grain. This olive is from California.

Turquoise is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum. During the 17^th century the mineral was brought to Europe from Turkey or “turquois” which is French name for Turkey. It evolved into turquoise. In the US, Arizona and Nevada are the top producers for turquoise. Chyrsocolla is a hydrated phyllosilicate mineral. It comes from Greek chrysos meaning ‘gold’ and kola ‘glue’ although its color is typically a combination of blue and green. Chyrsocolla is found in the United States in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico. Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Idaho. The Chyrsocolla in this table is from Arizona. Copper is typically found in multiple states in the U.S. including Utah, Arizona, Montana, Michigan and New Mexico. Copper is very malleable and has a beautiful reddish-brown color that accents the Olive.

The finish contains three coats of Tung oil; carefully sanded after each coat. Tung oil brings out the unique characteristics of the olive. Wood does expand and contract making it subject to slight checking, cracking, and movement. To maintain the beauty of the olive avoid using cleaning solutions instead use water in a damp rag. Remove the excess moisture with a clean towel. For polishing a beeswax solution such as Howard Feed-N-Wax or Artisan Lemon Oil Wax is good. Just follow the directions from the manufacturer.