Rock Identifier
Likely petrified wood (Fossilized woody tissue, commonly silicified wood (SiO₂)) — fossil
fossil

Likely petrified wood

Fossilized woody tissue, commonly silicified wood (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Elongated, weathered fragment with tan, cream, and dark-brown patches; apparent hardness and internal texture cannot be confirmed from the photo. Silicified wood is typically Mohs 6.5–7, with a dull to waxy luster and preserved wood grain.

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Physical properties

Elongated, weathered fragment with tan, cream, and dark-brown patches; apparent hardness and internal texture cannot be confirmed from the photo. Silicified wood is typically Mohs 6.5–7, with a dull to waxy luster and preserved wood grain.

Formation & geological history

Forms when buried wood is mineralized, often by silica-rich groundwater, while retaining its structure. Fossilization ages vary widely, from millions to hundreds of millions of years.

Uses & applications

Collected as a fossil specimen and sometimes cut or polished for ornaments, small carvings, and jewelry.

Geological facts

Petrified wood is a fossil, not wood merely coated with mineral; silica may replace the original tissues cell by cell.

Field identification & locations

Look for recognizable grain, growth rings, or cellular patterns; the image alone cannot confirm these, and other elongated minerals or fossils may look similar. Found in sedimentary deposits worldwide; value depends on verified identity, pattern, size, and condition.

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