fossil

Peanut Wood (Fossilized Wood in Radiolarite)

Petrified Wood (Silicified)

Hardness 6.5-7, brown/black matrix with white/cream distinct peanut-shaped markings, vitreous luster when polished.

Identified August 19, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Hardness 6.5-7, brown/black matrix with white/cream distinct peanut-shaped markings, vitreous luster when polished.

Formed when pieces of wood were washed into the ocean, bored by marine wood-boring bivalves (Teredo), and then fossilized with silica.

Commonly used in lapidary, cabochons, and jewelry making.

The 'peanuts' are actually the boreholes made by ancient shipworms, which were later filled with lighter-colored radiolarite before fossilization.

Found mainly in Western Australia (Kennedy Ranges). Identified by the contrasting peanut-shaped inclusions in a darker matrix.

Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

Chert with Fossil Brachiopod

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion

Fossiliferous limestone

Bioclastic carbonate rock; predominantly calcite (CaCO₃), with fossil shell fragments

Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)

Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)

Crinoid Stem Fossils (Indian Beads / St. Cuthbert's Beads)

Crinoid columnal ossicles (phylum Echinodermata)

Weathered limestone pebble

Limestone, predominantly calcite (CaCO₃), possibly fossiliferous or oolitic