Petrified wood (from the Greek root petro meaning "rock" or "stone"; literally "wood turned into stone") 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 perminersalization. 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 and 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 ligin and cellulose decay, a stone mould forms in its place. The organic matter needs to become petrified before it decomposes completely.
Petrified wood is a fossil in which the organic remains have been replaced by minerals in the slow process of being replaced with stone. This petrification process generally results in a Quartz Chalcedony mineralization. Special rare conditions must be met in order for the fallen stem to be transformed into Fossil Wood or Petrified Wood. In general, the fallen plants get buried in an environment free of oxygen (anaerobic environment), which preserves the original plant structure and general appearance. The other conditions include a regular access to mineral rich water flowing through the tissues, replacing the organic plant structure with inorganic stone. The end result is petrified wood, a plant, with its original basic structure in place, replaced by stone. This process could occur in less than one thousand years. Exotic minerals allow the rare red and green hues that can be seen in more rare specimens.
Some specimens of petrified wood are such accurate preservations that people do not realize they are fossils until they pick them up and are shocked by their weight. These specimens with near perfect preservation are unusual; however, specimens that exhibit clearly recognizable bark and woody structures are very common.
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Q1 > Estimate the height of the stump/s that you see here?
Q2 > What colours can you see in the petrified wood and describe the surface in your own words?
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