Petrified Juniper Wood
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Mineral NamePetrified Juniper Wood
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorsbrown, tan, cream, white, grey, blue
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityElko, Elko County, Nevada, USA
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental, collector
Associated Mineralschalcedony, quartz, opal
Rarityuncommon
Description
A sliced and polished cross-section of petrified wood, exhibiting distinct growth rings in shades of brown and tan, bordered by a lighter, often bluish-white chalcedony rim.
Geological Context
Formed during the Oligocene epoch when organic wood material was replaced by silica-rich groundwater, preserving the original cellular structure. This process typically occurs in sedimentary environments, often associated with volcanic ash.
