sedimentary
Petrified Wood
Silicified Wood (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Colors range from brown and yellow to red, with a vitreous to waxy luster and cryptocrystalline structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Colors range from brown and yellow to red, with a vitreous to waxy luster and cryptocrystalline structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through permineralization, where groundwater rich in dissolved silica replaces organic plant material over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in decorative items, jewelry, high-end lapidary work, and sought after by fossil and rock collectors.
Geological facts
The cellular structure of the original ancient trees is often perfectly preserved and visible under magnification.
Field identification & locations
Identify by retaining wood grain textures and growth rings while possessing stone-like weight and hardness. Found globally in ancient sedimentary layers and volcanic ash beds.
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