Petrified wood
Petrified wood is a type of fossil, in which the tissues of a dead plant are replaced with minerals (most often a
silicate, like quartz). The petrifaction process occurs underground, when wood or woody materials suddenly
become buried under sediment. Mineral-rich water flowing through the sediment
deposits minerals in the plant's cells and as the plant's lignin and cellulose decays away, a stone cast is left in its place.
Polished slice of Petrified Wood
Petrified wood can be extremely detailed, often reflecting the internal structures of the plant from which they form.
Structures such as tree rings and vascular tissues such as xylem are often observed features.
Petrified wood has a Mohs hardness level of 7, the same as
quartz.
A famous petrified wood site is Petrified Forest National Park in the U.S.
state of Arizona. Wood from the area (though not from the park) is a prized
commercial item, particularly cut and polished samples.
See also
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