How can you tell formica from real wood?

If you have a good ear try tapping it gently with a metal item, like a screwdriver. Wood and formica sound different.

You should be able to tell the difference between wood and formica.
If it’s a wood veneer, I’d check the bottom of the piece.
They usually don’t bother with the underside.

@Adirondackwannabe had a good suggestion too.
@thorninmud hasn’t finished composing an answer, but I’d wager it’s good too. ;)

The edges give it away. A careful inspection of the edge, where the horizontal plane of the top surface meets the vertical edge of the top, will reveal some discontinuity if it’s some kind of laminate.

My husband who knows a lot about wood says it’s not formica but is a veneer with polyurethane on it. Thanks, guys. It may remain a mystery. The corners of the top and the so called veneer are rounded fwiw. The legs are carved and it has ball and claw feet. Inside the top drawer is a round, brass thing tacked on but I have to have a light and magnification to read it.