Petrified wood

Petrified wood crystal comes from a polished tree forest having transitioned to stone by a mineralization process.

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Petrified wood or wood agate

Petrified wood, also called Wood agate as trade name, is the name given to a special type of fossilized remains of terrestrial vegetation. Petrifaction is the result of a tree or tree-like plants having transitioned to stone by a mineralization process that often includes permineralization and replacement.

The organic materials making up cell walls have been replicated with minerals. In some instances, the original structure of the stem tissue may be partly retained. Unlike other plant fossils, which are typically impressions or compressions, petrified tree is a three-dimensional representation of the original organic material.

Petrifaction

The petrifaction process occurs underground, when wood becomes buried in water saturated sediment or volcanic ash. The presence of water reduces the availability of oxygen which inhibits aerobic decomposition by bacteria and fungi.

Mineral-laden water flowing through the sediments may lead to permineralization, which occurs when minerals precipitate out of solution filling the interiors of cells and other empty spaces. During replacement, the plant’s cell walls act as a template for mineralization.

There needs to be a balance between the decay of cellulose and lignin and mineral templating for cellular detail to be preserved with fidelity. Most of the organic matter often decomposes, however some of the lignin may remain. Silica in the form of Opal-A, can encrust and permeate wood relatively quickly in hot spring environments.

However, petrified tree is most commonly associated with trees that were buried in fine grained sediments of deltas and floodplains or volcanic lahars and ash beds. A forest where such material has petrified becomes known as a petrified wood forest.

Elements

Elements such as manganese, iron, and copper in the water mud during the petrification process give the stone 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 another tint.

Following is a list of contaminating elements and related color hues:

Carbon – black
Chromium – green / blue
It shows through the top
Cobalt – green / blue
Copper – green / blue
Iron oxides – red, brown, and yellow
Manganese – pink / orange
Manganese oxides – blackish / yellow
Silicon dioxide – clear / white / grey

Petrified wood can preserve the original structure of the stem in all its detail, down to the microscopic level. Structures such as tree rings and the various tissues are often observed features.

Fossil

Petrified tree is a fossil in which the organic remains have been replaced by minerals in the slow process of being replaced with stone. This petrification process generally results in a quartz chalcedony mineralization. Special rare conditions must be met in order for the fallen stem to be transformed into fossil wood or petrified tree.

In general, the fallen plants get buried in an environment free of oxygen, which preserves the original plant structure and general appearance. The other conditions include a regular access to mineral rich water in contact with the tissues, replacing the organic plant structure with inorganic minerals. The end result is polished petrified wood crystal, a plant, with its original basic structure in place, replaced by stone.

FAQ

Is polished petrified wood worth anything?

Small samples of low-quality petrified tree may not be worth anything, while a high-quality stone log can sell for several hundred dollars. And large items that have been manufactured out of polished the rock, such as tabletops, can sell for thousands of dollars.

How long does it take for wood to become petrified?

It takes millions of years for petrified tree to form. The process begins when wood is buried quickly and deeply by water and mineral-rich sediment

Is petrified wood rare?

The stone is rare. Only a small proportion can be cut and polished into specimens. As a result, it becomes prized by collectors who truly appreciate its magnificence.

Is petrified wood a rock?

It is real wood that has turned into rock composed of quartz crystals. One of the greatest concentrations of the rock in the world is found in the Petrified Forest National Park in northeast Arizona, USA.

Does petrified wood have healing properties?

It has the ability to soothe emotions, generate calm, and dispel stress. When a stone is near, all your fears will simply disappear. the rock is a very healing and grounding stone that fills you with feelings of security.

Can petrified wood forest have gold in it?

Yes it is possible. The wood would create a locally reducing environment, common association of reduced minerals in petrified tree uranium minerals in SW US, Gold has also been found in petrified cypress from Nevada. Native silver is also found in the rockfrom New Mexico.

Is petrified tree curse?

In the 1930s, visitors to the Petrified Forest began to report that after taking a piece of the crystal from the park, they were seemingly cursed with bad luck. This curse continues today, and is now a part of the park’s history.

How can you tell if its petrified wood?

The stone that is easiest to identify has smooth, curvy sections that are often a brownish bark color. Run your hands across these portions and if they’re smooth, it’s the first sign that you’ve found the rock.

How do you clean petrified wood?

Petrified tree should never be cleaned with chemicals. When cleaning petrified tree, opt for a mild cleanser or a natural one. Mild hand soaps and apple cider vinegar are good options to clean teh crystal. These should be enough to remove dirt and grime from your wood and leave it looking clean and fresh.

Is petrified wood harder than wood?

Yes, petrified tree is typically harder than wood, because it is no longer wood, it is rock. Usually wood is petrified by being replaced with silica, which has a hardness of 7. Fossilized wood it has usually been buried in wet sand for millions of years and been completely replaced by silicon dioxide.

How old is the youngest petrified wood?

The oldest wood is about 375 million years old and formed from the most primitive true trees that grew on the Earth, and the youngest wood, probably about only 15 million years old.

What chakra is petrified wood crystal for?

The crystal works on the Sacral chakra stimulating energy to flow through the body unlocking the place of sensuality, creativity, and passion.

What is petrified wood stone good for?

A stone of transformation. It assists one to advance to ones highest chosen level. Helps to make one feel safe and secure, calming down survival based fears. The crystal assists in setting a pace and staying with that pace all day long.