Petrified Wood Fragment
Indeterminate conifer or angiosperm wood (cf. Araucarioxylon) • Body fossil, plant (permineralized wood)
Geological Period
Triassic to Cenozoic (commonly Mesozoic/Cenozoic)
Estimated Age
50 to 220 million years
Preservation Type
Silicification / permineralization with mineral replacement (chalcedony/quartz)
Condition Assessment
Good condition; water-worn or tumbled edges with clear interior grain structure, though incomplete and lacking terminal ends
Taxonomic Classification
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Pinopsida or Magnoliopsida
Morphological Description
Elongated columnar block displaying linear longitudinal grain patterns, visible cellular growth ring traces, and a weathered reddish-brown cortex edge.
Rock Matrix
Siliceous/quartzose matrix with iron oxide (hematite/limonite) staining on the exterior cortex
Formation & Location
Chinle Formation (USA), Petrified Forest environments, or similar worldwide fluvial-volcanic deposits
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 4 cm x 2.5 cm x 2 cm, representing a small fragment of a larger secondary branch or trunk section
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $30 USD
Auction Estimate
$15 - $45 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common
Scientific Significance
Provides data on ancient forest paleoclimate, regional hydrology, and paleo-atmospheric carbon levels during past greenhouse eras
Preparation Recommendations
Requires minimal preparation; ultrasonic cleaning in water and mild detergent if needed, store in a stable dry environment
Notable Features
Distinct parallel grain texture with warm iron-oxide patination along the exterior surface, suggesting alluvial transport and weathering prior to discovery