sedimentary
Petrified Wood
Silicified Wood (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from grey to brown and multicolored, vitreous to waxy luster, amorphous crystal structure (quartz pseudomorph), no cleavage, specific gravity of 2.5-2.7
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from grey to brown and multicolored, vitreous to waxy luster, amorphous crystal structure (quartz pseudomorph), no cleavage, specific gravity of 2.5-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed when plant material is buried in an oxygen-poor environment under sediment, preventing decay, and groundwater rich in dissolved silicates replaces the organic matter with silica over millions of years
Uses & applications
Used in ornamental carvings, lapidary art, jewelry, and as collector specimens
Geological facts
Petrified wood can preserve the cellular structure of the original tree down to microscopic details, turning ancient forests into solid stone
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its wooden grain texture combined with a stone-like weight and hardness; commonly found in areas with ancient volcanic activity and sedimentary basins
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