Petrified wood is a type of fossil: it consists of fossil wood where all the organic materials have been replaced with minerals while retaining the original structure of the wood.
The petrifaction process occurs underground, when wood becomes buried under sediment and is initially preserved due to a lack of oxygen. Mineral-rich water flowing through the sediment deposits minerals in the plant's cells and as the plant's lignin and cellulose decay away, a stone mould forms in its place.
Elements such as manganese, iron and copper in the water/mud during the petrification process give petrified wood a variety of color ranges. Pure quartz crystals are colorless, but when contaminants are added to the process the crystals take on a yellow, red or other tint.
Petrified wood has a Mohs hardness of 7, the same as quartz.
Petrified wood is the provincial stone of Alberta and also the state gem of Washington State.
I have recently found a piece of petrified wood and would like to know if it is worth anything?The piece is about 18inches long and 12inches wide and 6inches thick.It looks like a half of a log and wieghs 72lbs.There are about 5 different colors,red,brown,blue,orange,yellow with visible white and blue quartzs.Any information would help.Thank you
Posted by: Darin Going | September 29, 2009 at 12:21 PM
i have much petrified wood, please visit my blog www.petrifiedwoodjogja.blogspot.com hope we can share
Posted by: fayez | January 28, 2010 at 06:45 AM
we are manufacture petrified wood located in indonesia visit our web site http://www.petrified-wood.com
Posted by: Imam Faizin | February 28, 2010 at 04:38 AM