Did you know that there is wood that is actually stone? This petrified wood is a special type of fossilized remains of terrestrial vegetation. The fossilisation process takes place underground, where the wood is covered by sediment or volcanic ash. Aerobic decomposition is thus prevented due to the lack of oxygen. Over millions of years, the organic matter in the wood is gradually replaced by minerals, while preserving the original shape and appearance of the wood.
How petrified wood is formed
The process of replacing organic matter takes place due to water passing through the wood, washing away much of the cellulose and lignin and depositing minerals, especially quartz. Quartz crystals are colourless, but over time other minerals are deposited which colour the fossilised wood black (carbon), green or blue (copper, chromium or cobalt), red, yellow or brown (iron oxides).
Petrified wood preserves the original structure of the tree trunk with all its details, down to the microscopic level. You can easily see the annual rings and the original design formed by them.
Where is such wood turned into stone
Geological basins where petrified wood is found are found on all continents. In Europe there are such sites in France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Greece, Belgium and Ukraine. Petrified wood can be found in Australia, Canada, India, Thailand, Argentina and New Zealand.
There are several such pools in the US. One of the most spectacular is Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. Experts say that here, 225 million years ago, there was a tropical climate and everything was covered in forest. A great flood felled huge trees over 2 m in diameter and over 60 m high, which were then covered by volcanic lava. The fossilisation process turned the huge trees into rock. But the appearance of the trees has been so well preserved that the sheer weight difference alone convinces you that you are not picking up a piece of wood.
Use of petrified wood
Petrified wood has various uses. It can be used in construction, giving houses a very original look.
It is used in the manufacture of furniture, table tops for kitchens or bars, sinks and bathtubs. Because of the beauty of the design and the special colours it is used to make jewellery.
photo source: servicecentral.com.au
Wherever it's used, the combination of rock hardness and wood beauty is a winner.
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