Geology/History
Petrified wood is from the Greek root petro meaning "rock" or "stone", literally "wood turned into stone". This is the name given to a special type of fossilized remains of terrestrial vegetation. It is the result of a tree or tree-like plants having completely transitioned to stone by the process of permineralization. All the organic materials have been replaced with minerals (mostly a silicate, such as quartz), while retaining the original structure of the stem tissue.
Unlike other types of fossils which are typically impressions or compressions, petrified wood is a three-dimensional representation of the original organic material. The petrifaction process occurs underground, when wood becomes buried under sediment & is initially preserved due to a lack of oxygen which inhibits aerobic decomposition. Mineral-laden water flowing through the sediment deposits minerals in the plant's cells.
As the plant's lignin & cellulose decay a stone mould forms in its place. The organic matter needs to become petrified before it decomposes completely. This process could occur in less than one thousand years. Exotic minerals allow the rare red & green hues that can be seen in more rare specimens. A forest where such material has petrified becomes known as a petrified forest.
Metaphysical Properties
Helps to eliminate worries & concerns. Supports during the crisis period of a disease & shows you the origin of the issue then facilitates release to prevent reoccurrence. Also helps you to recognise the ego & see when you are being judgmental so you can open up to acceptance. In meditation takes you back to your souls beginning.
Crystal Healing
Used for hearing loss, paralysis & to strengthen skeletal structures. It supports you though times of crisis created by disease.
Mineralogy/Classification
Group: Fossil
Colour: Elements such as manganese, iron & copper in the water/mud during the petrification process give petrified wood a variety of colour ranges. Pure Quartz crystals are colourless, but when contaminants are added to the process the crystals can take on a green, yellow, red & other colour tints.
Following is a list of contaminating elements & related colour hues:
carbon – black
cobalt – green/blue
chromium – green/blue
copper – green/blue
iron oxides – red, brown, and yellow
manganese – pink/orange
manganese oxides –blackish/yellow
Petrified wood is from the Greek root petro meaning "rock" or "stone", literally "wood turned into stone". This is the name given to a special type of fossilized remains of terrestrial vegetation. It is the result of a tree or tree-like plants having completely transitioned to stone by the process of permineralization. All the organic materials have been replaced with minerals (mostly a silicate, such as quartz), while retaining the original structure of the stem tissue.
Unlike other types of fossils which are typically impressions or compressions, petrified wood is a three-dimensional representation of the original organic material. The petrifaction process occurs underground, when wood becomes buried under sediment & is initially preserved due to a lack of oxygen which inhibits aerobic decomposition. Mineral-laden water flowing through the sediment deposits minerals in the plant's cells.
As the plant's lignin & cellulose decay a stone mould forms in its place. The organic matter needs to become petrified before it decomposes completely. This process could occur in less than one thousand years. Exotic minerals allow the rare red & green hues that can be seen in more rare specimens. A forest where such material has petrified becomes known as a petrified forest.
Metaphysical Properties
Helps to eliminate worries & concerns. Supports during the crisis period of a disease & shows you the origin of the issue then facilitates release to prevent reoccurrence. Also helps you to recognise the ego & see when you are being judgmental so you can open up to acceptance. In meditation takes you back to your souls beginning.
Crystal Healing
Used for hearing loss, paralysis & to strengthen skeletal structures. It supports you though times of crisis created by disease.
Mineralogy/Classification
Group: Fossil
Colour: Elements such as manganese, iron & copper in the water/mud during the petrification process give petrified wood a variety of colour ranges. Pure Quartz crystals are colourless, but when contaminants are added to the process the crystals can take on a green, yellow, red & other colour tints.
Following is a list of contaminating elements & related colour hues:
carbon – black
cobalt – green/blue
chromium – green/blue
copper – green/blue
iron oxides – red, brown, and yellow
manganese – pink/orange
manganese oxides –blackish/yellow