The chloroform-soluble waxes of green and black olive fruits (Olea europaea cv Coratina) contain alkanes (C23-C33), saturated and unsaturated alkyl esters (C38-C56), aldehydes (C24-C30), methyl phenyl esters, triacylglycerols, alcohols (C22-C28), fatty acids (C16-C28), and pentacyclic triterpenols and triterpenoid acids. Oleanolic acid and triacylglycerols are the major components. Uvaol and erythrodiol, present in substantial amount in wax from green olives, were present only in trace amounts in that from black olives.