Petrified Wood Fragment
Indeterminate fossil wood (cf. Angiospermae or Gymnospermae) • Body fossil (Plant material), Permineralized/Petrified
Geological Period
Likely Neogene or Paleogene based on common surficial deposits
Estimated Age
Approximately 2 to 66 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization (Silicification); replacement of organic cellulose with silica/chalcedony
Condition Assessment
Fair; the specimen is highly weathered and water-worn, resulting in the loss of external diagnostic bark patterns or clear internal rings.
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Spermatophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledon) or Pinopsida (Conifer)
Morphological Description
Dark, silicified specimen displaying a porous, vesicular surface texture. One side shows a smoother, worn face while the rest exhibits micro-cavities where organic cellular structures have been replaced by minerals. Minimal grain visibility due to heavy mineralization and water-worn smoothing.
Rock Matrix
None; the specimen is an isolated clast. Secondary mineralization includes possible iron-staining (limonite/hematite) giving the dark brown/black color.
Formation & Location
Commonly found in fluvial deposits or coastal plains such as the Gulf Coastal Plain (USA) or similar alluvial gravel beds worldwide.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 2-3 cm in length; consistent with small stream-rolled pebbles/cobbles.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$1 - $5 USD
Auction Estimate
$5 - $10 USD (usually sold as part of a bulk study lot)
Rarity Assessment
Common; silicified wood fragments are widely distributed in Cenozoic sedimentary layers.
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of past forest density and paleoclimatic conditions in the region where it was deposited, though limited by lacks of taxonomic clarity due to erosion.
Preparation Recommendations
No heavy preparation required. Can be lightly cleaned with water and a soft brush. Thin-sectioning would be necessary for more precise cellular identification.
Notable Features
The specimen shows significant rounding, suggesting it was transported a long distance in a high-energy aquatic environment (river or surf) after fossilization.