fossil

Likely weathered petrified wood

Silicified wood, chiefly microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂) replacing wood tissue

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown, tan, and gray banding follows probable wood grain; dull to waxy luster and massive structure. Typical hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs, with no obvious cleavage and specific gravity near 2.4–2.7; the image is insufficient for certainty and could also show a weathered layered rock.

Identified August 23, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when buried wood was progressively replaced by silica-rich groundwater, preserving cellular texture; commonly Mesozoic–Cenozoic in age, though much older examples occur.

Uses & applications

Collected as a fossil and used for polished slabs, cabochons, bookends, and ornamental objects; rarely used structurally.

Geological facts

Unlike ordinary wood, genuine petrified wood can scratch glass and feels stone-like, while grain, growth rings, or cell patterns may remain visible.

Field identification & locations

Common in volcanic-ash-rich sediments and floodplains, including Arizona, Oregon, Indonesia, and Madagascar. Inspect ends for wood grain and use hardness, density, and a close-texture check; avoid destructive testing. The pictured specimen’s identity is tentative because its texture is blurred.