Red Jasperized Petrified Wood Fragment
cf. Araucarioxylon arizonicum • Body fossil / Petrified plant tissue (Permineralized and silicified plant fossil)
Geological Period
Triassic to Jurassic Period (commonly Upper Triassic)
Estimated Age
200 - 225 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization and replacement (Silicification/Jasperization), high-grade microcrystalline quartz replacement stained red by hematite/iron oxide.
Condition Assessment
Good (Tumbled/Rough polish quality, completely mineralized, missing diagnostic bark or cellular surface grain detail on this specific cross-cut piece).
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Pinophyta, Class: Pinopsida, Order: Pinales, Family: Araucariaceae (or Protopinaceae), Genus: Araucarioxylon / Woodworthia
Morphological Description
Angular, polished/tumbled piece showing dense microcrystalline quartz (chalcedony/jasper) infiltration. Internal organic cellular structures are completely replaced by iron-oxide rich silica (hematite-stained red jasper) with thin chalcedony/quartz veinlet boundaries.
Rock Matrix
No surrounding matrix present; fully replaced isolated chert/jasperized wood fragment.
Formation & Location
Chinle Formation (Petrified Forest Member), Arizona, USA, or similar Triassic continental fluvial deposits globally (e.g., Madagascar, Argentina).
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 2.5 cm to 4 cm (1 to 1.5 inches) in diameter, representing a small hand-sample chunk.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $15 USD
Auction Estimate
$5 - $20 USD (Typically sold in bulk or small tumbled specimen lots)
Rarity Assessment
Common (Red jasperized petrified wood is widely distributed globally and abundant in commercial trade)
Scientific Significance
Illustrates secondary silicification and heavy iron staining in ancient continental fluvial basins during the late Paleozoic or Mesozoic era, showing complete permineralization of gymnosperm wood tissues.
Preparation Recommendations
Can be further polished or cabbed for jewelry, or displayed as a polished mineral/fossil specimen. Requires no special environmental controls.
Notable Features
Rich deep red jasper color caused by hematite (iron oxide) inclusions during silica replacement, with fine white/clear chalcedony vein fractures cutting through the specimen.