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Petrified Wood




Petrified wood is a type of where all the organic materials have been replaced with Mineral s (most often a Silicate , such as Quartz ), while retaining the original structure of the wood. The Petrifaction process has occurred underground, when wood became buried under Sediment . Mineral-rich water flowing through the sediment deposited minerals in the plant's cells and as the plant's Lignin and Cellulose decayed away, a Stone cast was formed in its place.

Minerals such as Manganese , Iron , and Copper in the water/mud during the petrification process give petrified wood a variety of color ranges. Quartz Crystals are colorless, but when Iron is added to the process the crystals become stained with a yellow or red tint.

Following is a list of minerals and related color hues:

Petrified wood can preserve the original structure of the wood in all its detail, down to the microsopic level. Structures such as Tree Ring s and the various tissues are often observed features.

Petrified wood has a Mohs Hardness Level of 7, the same as quartz. Materials scientists have been able to make artificial petrified wood recently {Link without Title} .

Petrified wood is also the state gem of Washington .


LOCATIONS


  • Argentina . Considered to be one of the world's best petrified reserves, the Petrified Forest National Monument in Santa Cruz , the Argentine Patagonia has many trees that measure more than 3 m (10 ft) in diameter and 30 m (100 ft) long. Compared to petrified trees in the United States that measure less than 1.8 m (6 ft) in diameter, the trees of the Central Steppes of Argentina are significantly larger.

  • Czech Republic , Nová Paka . The most famous locality on Permian - Carboniferous rocks in the Czech Republic .

  • Greece . At the western tip of the island of Lesbos is possibly the largest of the petrified forests, covering an area of over 150 km² and declared a National Monument in 1985. Large, upright trunks complete with root systems can be found, as well as trunks up to 22 m in length.

  • United States . A famous petrified wood site is Petrified Forest National Park in the U.S. State of Arizona . Wood from the area (though not from the park) is a prized commercial item, particularly cut and polished samples.



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