Oak (Quercus Petrea Liebl. = Q. Sessilis Ehrh.). Big tree of the Fagaceae family whose diameter may exceed 1.50 m. Up to 35 m high, these trees are extremely long-lived (up to 300-500 years). Oak is widely diffused in Europe, the Caucasus and Asia Minor, where it forms magnificent forests. The wood is very similar to the English Oak (Quercus Robur) and its general features are similar too, a part from the fact it’s major specific weight.
If the wood is quarter sawn, the big rays give an effect called mirrowing, the light and shiny medullar rays, which form a pleasant ornamental design. Oak wood contains tannin. As a result, if the wood gets in touch with iron, azure to black stains may appear. Oak is used for heavy constructions, maritime works, railway sleepers, wood flooring elements and firewood, as well as raw material for the production of high quality coal. Oak is also used for the construction of wine and spirit barrels, giving the characteristic barrique flavour to wines and cognac.