Petrified wood is wood that has been turned into stone (or fossilized) through the process of permineralization. Our rare Petrified Wood specimens from the city of Ambilobe in Madagascar are formed from the Araucaria tree, a type of extinct conifer. Petrified Wood from this region of Madagascar dates back to 220 million years ago. This was the beginning of the Triassic period when the supercontinent of Pangea started to break apart into modern day continents along with the Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Over the eons, the organic matter gets replaced by minerals, while much of the original structure such as tree rings stays intact. For this to happen the wood needs to be buried in an environment low in oxygen (to prevent it from decomposing) and with mineral-rich water flowing through. The coloration is due to the various minerals that were present during fossilization. For example, green and blue colors are due to traces of copper, cobalt, and chromium. Red, brown, and yellow are due to iron, and black is from carbon.
Petrified wood can be polished and used for decorative and entertaining purposes such as tables, bookends, coasters, and cutting boards. Any LuxeRox Homeware item has been polished and sealed with food-safe treatment. We recommend wiping clean with a damp cloth after use.
Associated with the Root Chakra, Petrified Wood is known as a calming and grounding stone that fills you with the feeling of security. Since it was once a living, breathing tree that has fossilized over millions of years ago, it’s believed to promote patience and increase perseverance. Gift this fossil for someone who is launching a new goal or taking a new path. Petrified wood is also an excellent stone for meditating.