Petrified Wood Fragment
cf. Araucarioxylon arizonicum (typical for similar red-colored petrified wood) • Body fossil; Petrified/Permineralized Plant
Geological Period
Broadly Triassic to Jurassic
Estimated Age
Approx. 150 to 220 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization (Silicification); wood cells replaced by silica/chalcedony and colored by oxides.
Condition Assessment
Fair; fragmented and weathered with no remaining bark or external botanical structure.
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Pinophyta (Conifers); Class: Pinopsidaf; Order: Pinales (Likely)
Morphological Description
Small, irregular chunk showing blocky fracture patterns. Displays reddish-brown coloration suggesting iron oxide (hematite) staining. Indistinct woody texture with potential growth rings visible in cross-section.
Rock Matrix
None; the specimen is an isolated fragment of the fossilized trunk itself.
Formation & Location
Likely Chinle Formation (Arizona, USA) or similar red-bed fluvial deposits.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 2-3 cm; very small fragment compared to tree-sized originals.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$1 - $5 USD
Auction Estimate
Not applicable; typically sold as bulk material or minor specimens.
Rarity Assessment
Common; frequently found in high quantities in specific geographic regions.
Scientific Significance
Provides data on ancient forest composition and secondary mineralization processes in fluvial environments.
Preparation Recommendations
No major prep required; can be tumbled or polished to reveal inner grain structures. Store in a dry environment.
Notable Features
Features high iron-content staining creating the vivid red and brown hues typical of high-quality petrified wood.