fossil

Tumbled fossil wood (petrified wood)

Silicified wood; commonly quartz or chalcedony (SiO₂) replacing the original wood

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown, tan, and dark gray wood-grain-like bands with a polished luster. Quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs; the pictured piece is too small to assess structure or specific gravity reliably.

Identified October 14, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Brown, tan, and dark gray wood-grain-like bands with a polished luster. Quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs; the pictured piece is too small to assess structure or specific gravity reliably.

Formation & geological history

Forms when buried wood is mineralized as silica-rich groundwater replaces or fills its tissues, preserving growth patterns. Petrified wood ranges from geologically recent deposits to hundreds of millions of years old; the specimen’s age cannot be determined from the photo.

Uses & applications

Used for lapidary and jewelry, decorative objects, and collecting; larger deposits may be used ornamentally.

Geological facts

Petrified wood can preserve tree rings and cellular details, though polishing may obscure fine features.

Field identification & locations

The visible linear grain and color bands are consistent with silicified wood, but visual identification alone is not conclusive. It occurs worldwide, including the western United States; small tumbled pieces commonly sell for about $2–$15 USD.