fossil

Polished petrified wood

Silicified wood, chiefly microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), often with chalcedony and iron oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; reddish-brown, pink, cream, and gray coloration with glossy polish and possible preserved wood grain. It is non-cleavable, typically dense, and has a quartz-like specific gravity near 2.6.

Identified August 15, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Mineral-rich groundwater replaced buried wood tissue with silica during permineralization, commonly in volcanic or sedimentary settings. Ages range from tens of millions to over 200 million years, depending on locality.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative slab, sculpture, cabochon, and collector specimen; large polished pieces serve as furniture or architectural accents. It is generally valued for pattern, color, size, and polish rather than industrial use.

Geological facts

The image shows a large cut and polished section with probable silicified wood colors and banding, though the visible surface does not clearly preserve unmistakable growth rings or cellular texture.

Field identification & locations

Identify by wood-grain or cellular patterns, quartz hardness, lack of cleavage, and inability to scratch it with a steel knife; acid typically produces no reaction. Common sources include Arizona, Utah, Madagascar, Indonesia, and Australia.