Petrified Wood
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Biopics" title="User:Biopics">Hans Hillewaert</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NamePetrified Wood
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Streak ColorWhite
CleavageNone
FractureConchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorsbrown, red, gray, white, black
TransparencyTranslucent to opaque
Type LocalityDoro !Nawas, Namibia
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental, collector, lapidary
Associated Mineralsquartz, chalcedony, opal
Raritycommon
Description
A large, irregularly shaped piece of petrified wood displaying distinct growth rings and a mix of earthy brown, reddish, and gray tones, with some areas showing a more translucent, waxy appearance.
Geological Context
Petrified wood forms when plant material is buried and replaced by mineral solutions, typically silica, preserving the original cellular structure. This specimen is from the Permian Ecca Group of the Karoo Sequence, indicating a significant geological age and specific sedimentary environment.
