This large petrified tree is on display on the grounds of the Canadian County Historical Museum in El Reno, OK. The museum proudly displays this petrified tree, and welcomes all guests. The museum, and El Reno Chamber of Commerce, ensure that it is well maintained, and preserved, so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
PETRIFIED WOOD
Petrified wood is a fossil that is a complete transition to stone, and is a replicate of the original tree/plant. The tree is buried by sediment preventing it from decaying due to the absence of oxygen and organisms. Mineral laden water flowing through the sediment deposits minerals in the plant's cells, replacing organic material with inorganic material.
COLORS
Pure quartz (silica) crystals are colorless. When contaminants in the water/mud are added during the petrification process, they give petrified wood a variety of colors.
HOW MUCH DOES PETRIFIED WOOD WEIGH?
Petrified wood is very hard, but brittle. It can shatter like glass, but as a whole, it is as strong as steel. Petrified wood rates 7.8 on Mohs Hardness Scale, with talc at 1 and diamonds at 10. It is also very heavy and weighs between 160-200 pounds per cubic foot.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS
1. In your own words, define petrified wood.
2. Describe the color of this petrified tree, and what minerals your think must be present.
3. Do you think this petrified tree was formed here, or was it moved to this location?
4. Post a picture of yourself, or some identifying item, to visually confirm you visited this Earthcache.
RESOURCES
https://canadiancountymuseum.com/petrified-tree/
https://geology.com/stories/13/petrified-wood
https://www.nps.gov/pefo/faqs.htm