North America, Western United States, Nevada, Hubbard Basin, Miocene, ca. 23 to 5 million years ago. A stunning piece of fossilized or petrified wood, the slab professionally cut and polished to a mirror finish on one face to show off the otherworldly coloration within. The organic wood material and inner rings have been replaced by colorful quartz and chalcedony in swirling hues of mauve, lilac, creamy white, gray-blue, and sienna. There are several natural cavities or vugs with glittering crystalline structures! A beautiful display piece that is reminiscent of an interstellar nebula! Size: 9" L x 7" W x 2.3" H (22.9 cm x 17.8 cm x 5.8 cm)
The petrification process involves the rapid burial of the tree or pieces under sediment which prevents the usual decay. Flooding and volcanic activity are usually responsible for creating the layers of sand, silt, and ash needed to create the right types and amount of sediment. Mineralized water can then permeate through the wood, coating cell walls and filling the intercellular cavities which then fossilizes into stone. The detailed preservation of the wood, including knots, rings, and bark, are possible because the organic wood molecules become coated and surrounded with smaller silica molecules.
Provenance: private Berthoud, Colorado, USA collection
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#177735
Condition
Professionally cut and polished on one face. Natural cavities on surface. Minor nicks and scratches. Gorgeous coloration!