Peanut wood
Peanut wood jasper stone healing properties for jewelry
Buy natural mpeanut wood in our shop
What is Peanut Wood?
Peanut wood is a variety of petrified wood that is usually dark brown to black in color. It is recognized by its white-to-cream-color markings that are ovoid in shape and about the size of a peanut. It received its name from these peanut-size markings. It is a fossil gem with a very unusual history.
Over millions of years, this fossil gem formed as wood was replaced by silica-rich fluids, solidifying into stone. The contrast between its darker base and the peanut-sized markings makes peanut wood highly sought after by gem enthusiasts, collectors, and jewelry designers alike.
Formation & Geological Background
Much of the peanut wood being sold today began its life as a conifer tree on land in the area now known as Western Australia. When these trees died, rivers carried them into a shallow, salty epicontinental sea that covered much of what is now the Australian continent.
They arrived at the sea as a piece of driftwood. This was during the Cretaceous time period, when a species of marine clam that loved to eat wood lived in the Australian sea. The clam larvae were able to smell nearby wood and swim to it.
When they arrived at a piece of driftwood, they would attach themselves to it and start eating. A tiny pair of valves soon developed on one end of their long body, and they used the sharp edges of their shell as a rasp. They shaved off tiny particles of wood – which they would promptly eat. In a few weeks, they could excavate a deep tunnel into the soft, mushy wood.
The Shipworm Phenomenon
A few species of these wood-eating clams live in the oceans today. Sailors have cursed about them for hundreds of years as the enemy of wooden ships. Sailors began calling them “shipworms” because of their long bodies and their ability to tunnel into a ship much like a worm tunnels through an apple.
In the 1700s, shipbuilders began lining the hulls of their ships with thin sheets of copper to protect them from the shipworm. Shipworms have been ruining ships, pilings, docks, retaining walls, and other wooden structures for as long as people have been placing them in salt water.
Unique Patterns in Peanut Wood
Over time, the tunnels within the driftwood were filled by sediment. This sediment contained minerals which replaced the organic material, creating the fascinating peanut-like patterns in the final stone. Because it is essentially “wood turned to stone,” peanut wood is regarded as a captivating specimen for anyone interested in Earth’s ancient history.
Peanut Wood Jasper Stone Healing Properties
We attribute peanut wood to transformation, particularly in transforming past pain or trauma into purpose. You can also work with it while you are healing from a physical injury. This stone reminds us that bad things that happen can lead to good things in the future, and that our scars can be beautiful and serve a greater good.
Its grounding presence can help stabilize emotional turbulence, fostering inner growth. Some believe that peanut wood’s fossilized energy carries the wisdom of ancient forests, promoting resilience and endurance. By meditating with this unique stone, many feel a deeper connection to nature and an enhanced sense of well-being.
Natural peanut wood
FAQ
How did peanut wood get its distinctive patterns?
They formed when marine clams burrowed into driftwood millions of years ago. Those tunnels later filled with light-colored minerals, giving the stone its signature peanut-like markings.
Is peanut wood suitable for everyday wear?
Yes. With reasonable care, peanut wood can be worn daily. Make sure to store it separately from harder gemstones to prevent scratching.
Can peanut wood get wet?
It is generally safe to expose peanut wood to mild water contact. However, prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods should be avoided.
How can I cleanse and recharge peanut wood?
You can gently rinse it in lukewarm water and dry it with a soft cloth. Many people also like to place their stone under moonlight or sunlight for a short period to recharge its energy.
What makes peanut wood unique compared to other types of petrified wood?
Its signature “peanut” inclusions give it a distinctive look. The interaction of ocean creatures, driftwood, and mineral-filled sediment led to these rare patterns you won’t often find in other petrified woods.
Natural Peanut Wood for Sale in Our Gem Shop
We make custom made peanut wood jewelry as engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, pendants… Please contact us for a quote.
The intriguing contrast of white or cream markings against the darker background makes peanut wood an exceptional choice for statement pieces in jewelry. Its durable nature, once polished, can showcase a glassy finish that highlights the fossil’s intricate patterns. For best care, simply wipe peanut wood jewelry with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove any dirt or oils.
We make peanut wood jasper jewelry
