Petrified Wood / Silicified Wood Fragment
Plantae indet. (Wood indet. cf. silicified angiosperm or gymnosperm) • Body fossil, permineralized plant material
Geological Period
Cretaceous to Cenozoic (potentially Mesozoic or Cenozoic based on common occurrences of silicified wood)
Estimated Age
60 to 140 million years
Preservation Type
Silicification / Permineralization with quartz/chalcedony replacement of organic cellular structures
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. Weathered water-worn exterior with surface abrasion, pitting, and minor insect or boring holes, but structurally solid due to complete silica replacement
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Pinopsida or Magnoliopsida
Morphological Description
Irregular nodular fragment showing weathered brownish-orange exterior, earthy luster, and minor surface pitting with small circular boring holes. Lacks clearly visible external bark or distinct secondary growth rings on this visible face, but exhibits a dense, compact stone structure typical of heavily permineralized secondary xylem.
Rock Matrix
Silicified matrix with iron oxide staining (limonite/hematite) contributing to the brownish-orange coloration
Formation & Location
Commonly found in alluvial deposits, river terraces, and geological formations such as the Morrison Formation or various Cenozoic sedimentary basins worldwide
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 5 to 8 cm across the longest axis, representing a small water-worn fragment of a larger tree branch or trunk
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $30 USD
Auction Estimate
$5 - $20 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common. Silicified wood fragments are widely distributed globally across numerous geological formations
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of past terrestrial forested environments, ancient paleoclimate conditions, and continental depositional settings
Preparation Recommendations
Gentle washing with warm water and mild soap to remove loose dirt. Optional diamond wheel cutting and polishing to reveal internal cellular grain structure. Store in a dry indoor environment.
Notable Features
Distinctive warm brownish-orange iron oxide staining and small circular boring or trace fossil holes penetrating the permineralized matrix