Petrified Wood (Limb Section)
Indeterminate genus/species (requires microscopic thin-section analysis) • Body fossil (Permineralization); Plant kingdom
Geological Period
Likely Cretaceous or Palaeogene
Estimated Age
Approx. 50 - 100 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization (Silicification); cellular structure likely replaced by silica (agate/quartz)
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; complete internal mineralization but significant exterior fluvial erosion and weathering loss.
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom: Plantae; Phylum: Spermatophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledon) or Pinopsida (Conifer)
Morphological Description
Elongated, weathered cylindrical limb or trunk section; shows presence of cortical ridges and longitudinal linear grain patterns consistent with woody vascular tissue. Exterior shows some undulation and knot-like protrusions.
Rock Matrix
Specimen is self-contained (completely permineralized) with a fine-grained, clay-like weathered patina; no significant host matrix attached.
Formation & Location
Commonly found in fluvial deposits such as the Hell Creek Formation (USA) or similar alluvial sedimentary basins worldwide.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 12 - 16 inches in length; represents a medium-sized branch or small sapling trunk.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$40 - $120 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common; petrified wood is globally abundant in silicate-rich sedimentary layers.
Scientific Significance
Provides data on paleo-climatology and ancient forestry compositions; indicates the presence of a high-energy aquatic transport environment during deposition.
Preparation Recommendations
Mechanical cleaning with soft brushes; surface polishing of one cross-section is recommended to reveal internal growth rings and mineralization color.
Notable Features
Preservation of the 'knot' structures where smaller branches likely emerged; notable for its thick 'bark-mimicking' weathered exterior crust.