Petrified Wood
Petrified wood – natural stone
Petrified wood refers to the remains of wood from ancient geological eras that have been preserved by being buried in sediment, followed by the replacement of the original organic matter by silica, such as chalcedony, opal, or quartz, derived from circulating solutions within the wood. As a result of this process, details of the wood’s structure and original composition are often preserved. Petrified wood is formed over millions of years and is a unique type of fossil created by the mineralization process of wood. The petrification process occurs underground when wood is buried in water or volcanic ash. The presence of water limits access to oxygen and inhibits oxidative decay by bacteria and fungi. Mineral-rich water flowing through sediments can cause permineralization. This process occurs when minerals precipitate out of solution and fill the interiors of cells and other empty spaces in the wood. As a result of this process, petrified wood stone is formed. The largest concentration of petrified wood is found in the so-called Petrified Forest in Arizona, USA, but this mineral can be found in many other countries such as Poland, Antarctica, Thailand, Russia, Indonesia or Madagascar. Hardness can vary depending on the type of minerals that fill the wood structure, but it usually ranges from 5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. A characteristic feature of petrified wood is that each stone is unique and incomparable, as no two specimens are alike.
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Petrified wood – color, price
Petrified wood stones have unique patterns and textures due to the minerals they are filled with. The color of individual stones depends on the amount of impurities from other minerals that have penetrated the mineralizing silica. As a result, petrified wood can be found in a variety of colors, including white, gray, green, pink, blue, red, yellow, brown, and black. The impurities responsible for these colors are mainly silica, chromium, manganese, carbon, calcium, magnesium, apatite or fluorite. In our natural stone online store you will find a wide selection of petrified wood stones, both in cabochon and flat cuts.
Petrified wood – applications
Petrified wood is of great scientific importance because its well-preserved wood structure allows for species identification and paleoclimate studies. The analysis of annual ring variability is one example of how petrified wood can be used to interpret climate history. It is also a valuable collector’s stone, with particularly valuable specimens made of chalcedony, jasper, or those filled with amethyst. In Europe, petrified wood is a valuable resource for the production of luxury furniture such as sinks, benches or tables. However, this mineral is primarily used in the production of unique jewelry designs, such as necklaces, earrings or rings. In our shop you will find both petrified wood cabochons and flats in various sizes and shapes.
