North America, Miocene period, ca. 23 million years ago. A fossilized portion of a split log from a tree that once lived during the Miocene Period! The species is not known, but this petrified wood is very striking with red-brown hues! The natural layers are wonderfully preserved, and this piece is in its raw state without any polishing that would interfere with the natural composition. Petrified wood that is left as it was found, such as this piece, is much rarer than sliced and polished examples! The natural state of the petrified wood is much more valuable - not only aesthetically, but also as an educational and intriguing display of what the original composition looks like. Here we can see the ridges and different layers of the wood that have been incredibly preserved for millions of years! Size: 10.5" L x 3.5" W (26.7 cm x 8.9 cm); 12.125" H (30.8 cm) on included custom stand.

The petrification process involves the rapid burial of the tree or pieces under sediment which prevents the usual decay. Flooding and volcanic activity are usually responsible for creating the layers of sand, silt, and ash needed to create the right types and amount of sediment. Mineralized water can then permeate through the wood, coating cell walls and filling the intercellular cavities which then fossilizes into stone. The detailed preservation of the wood, including knots, rings, and bark, are possible because the organic wood molecules become coated and surrounded with smaller silica molecules.

Provenance: private Newport Beach, California, USA collection

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#141718

Excellent condition. Not polished and in its natural state. Light mineral deposits on the surface.