When you first hear the name “petrified wood” you might think of images of a way to preserve an ancient tree in its natural state. But petrified wood is actually a type of fossilized stone, which is created when organic material is gradually and naturally replaced by minerals. This process can take up to thousands of years, and the end result is a mineralized version of the original material that retains its original shape and structure.
Petrified wood is formed when wood, usually found in the deep soil of lower lying areas, is buried and eventually covered by sediments or ash. These sediments contain minerals, such as quartz or calcite, which are carried by water and slowly replace the wood molecules. As the molecules are replaced, carbon is released, leaving behind the stone ‘version’ of the wood.
The shapes and colors of petrified wood vary greatly depending on the type of wood it was originally and the minerals that were present. The most sought-after pieces are petrified redwood, found in the northwestern United States. Its coloring is often a deep red, with ornate shapes and designs from the chocolate brown and creamy white variations of the original wood. Agatized petrified wood is found mainly in Arizona and is created when organic material is replaced with a type of quartz called chalcedony. It’s often identified by its intricate patterns and coloring, with the quartz crystals forming varied and vivid colors.
Petrified wood is widely sought for its unique beauty, making it an often expensive find. This stunning ‘stone’ can be cut, polished, and fashioned into beautiful pieces of jewelry or used in home furnishings as a centerpiece or accent piece.
Aside from its aesthetic appeal, petrified wood is thought to hold many metaphysical properties, particularly in regards to grounding, protection and enhancing inner vision. A fossilized stone, it symbolizes the generation of life to new heights and its connection to the past. It’s believed to enhance patience, foster the growth of subjective awareness and impart the courage to meet life’s challenges.
All in all, petrified wood is a truly unique and beautiful natural find. Its varied shapes and rich colorations are found nowhere else in nature, making it a highly sought-after stone with great spiritual significance. Its true value and beauty are in the eye of the beholder, and its mystery lies in the depths of its ancient history.
