Petrified Wood (Tree Branch or Wood Fragment)
Indeterminate Gymnosperm (cf. Araucarioxylon sp.) • Body fossil; Petrified/Permineralized plant matter (Vertebrate Plant)
Geological Period
Likely Triassic to Cretaceous (Mesozoic Era)
Estimated Age
66 to 251 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization (Silicification with Iron Oxide staining)
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; partial fragment with significant weathering and lack of external bark detail.
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom: Plantae; Phylum: Tracheophyta; Class: Pinopsida (likely Gymnosperm)
Morphological Description
Elongated, fibrous texture showing parallel longitudinal grain or tracheid structures. Heartwood-like reddish-orange coloration with visible splintered fracture patterns mimicking modern wood grain.
Rock Matrix
Fragmentary fossil itself acts as the matrix; minor adherent siltstone/mudstone in crevices.
Formation & Location
Commonly associated with the Chinle Formation (Arizona, USA) or similar Mesozoic terrestrial deposits in the Western United States/Brazil.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 8-12 cm in length; typical for small debris or branch fragments in fluvial deposits.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $25.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$15.00 - $35.00 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common; wood fragments are globally abundant in specific geological horizons.
Scientific Significance
Provides data on ancient forest composition, paleoclimatic conditions (via growth ring analysis if cross-sectioned), and terrestrial sedimentation patterns.
Preparation Recommendations
Mechanical cleaning of surface dirt; suggest lapidary slab-cutting and polishing on one face to reveal internal cellular structure.
Notable Features
Distinctive hematite/limonite staining providing a vibrant orange hues; well-preserved longitudinal fiber orientation.