Petrified Wood
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/11923090@N03">Jim Gordon</a> (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NamePetrified Wood
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorsred, orange, yellow, brown, black, white, grey
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityCanyonlands National Park, Utah, USA
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, chalcedony, opal, iron oxides
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image displays a vibrant, fractured surface of petrified wood, showcasing rich reds, oranges, yellows, and dark tones, with visible remnants of wood grain and growth rings.
Geological Context
Petrified wood forms when plant material is buried and protected from decay, then groundwater rich in dissolved silica permeates the cells, replacing organic material with quartz or chalcedony over millions of years.
