Easily distinguishable through their lively color and their intense cross-cut wood patterns, Petrified wood is a fascinating stone that serves as a time capsule, preserving the essence of ancient forests in a unique and sustainable manner. They comprise the preserved remains of primordial trees dating back to antiquity.
How Are Petrified Wood Stones Formed?
Petrified Wood stone is a type of fossilized wood that has transformed into stone over millions of years through a process called permineralization. Its name is derived from the Greek word “Petro” which means “stone”, an indication of the transformation of wood into stone.
These stones are formed when tree trunks and the woody stems of plants are buried in wet deposits of dissolved minerals. The water found underneath the ground generally contains a degree of minerals and ores. This mineralized water fills the pores of the organic plant tissues and moves through their cellular spaces. The oxygen-deprived conditions beneath the surface aid in the slow decay of the wood, allowing minerals to replace cell walls and fill void spaces in the wood.
Over a period of time, minerals found in groundwater, such as silica in the form of opal, chalcedony, or quartz impregnate the immersed organic matter to a cellular level, including the pores of the tissues, the cell walls, and the inter and intra-cellular spaces. This kind of fossilization occurs in both hard and soft tissues. This process is called permineralization and petrified wood is an example of this form of fossilization.
The Colors and Patterns of Petrified Wood Stones
With a broad spectrum of colors ranging from yellow, brown, red, gray, and black petrified stones exhibit vivid and high-spirited tones and patterns. Although petrified wood stones display an exuberant blend of colors, the color they inherit is influenced by the type of minerals that were deposited in them during their formation millennia ago.
- Carbon and manganese oxide-rich stones exhibit shades of black.
- Stones containing generous amounts of cobalt, chrome, and copper, emit tints of green and blue.
- Hues of red, yellow, and brown are made up of iron oxides.
- Shades of pink and orange are made up of manganese.
- While touches of grey and white are made up of silica.
Additionally, all pieces of petrified wood exhibit smooth edges, and sections of wood-dried sap, typically appearing in a white hue. However, it can also be red or orange if they are well preserved. Furthermore, some pieces of petrified wood may have wood or bark patterns that include grains or rings on them. Other pieces of petrified wood may have actual growth rings on them, while some smaller or thinner pieces of petrified wood may be transparent.
Where Can We Find the Deposits of Petrified Wood?
Despite their rarity, Petrified wood stones can be discovered near volcanic deposits and sedimentary rocks, and in gravel pits along riverbanks in various locations worldwide. It is also found where volcanic activity covers plant material with ash, mudflows, or pyroclastic debris.
Today, some locations where the deposits of petrified wood can be found are the Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona, the Petrified Forest of Lesvos in Greece, and the Sarmiento Petrified Forest in Argentina which were all once dense, lowland tropical forest regions with nearby volcanoes.
Not All Fossilized Wood Is Petrified Wood Stone: Here’s Why.
Not all fossilized wood qualifies as petrified wood stones. Petrified Wood suitable for stone slabs is thoroughly examined, hand-picked, and brought back for careful inspection. The chosen fossil must generally be free of any fractures or fissures that deem them from being suitable for a stone slab. The selected Petrified wood logs are individually cut and bound with resin, transforming into slabs through a blend of natural processes and skilled craftsmanship. They are then cut into round slices or rectangular pieces with strong epoxy glues, firmly securing them to the stone slabs, which are then used in various applications.
Applications of Petrified Wood slabs in Interior Design
Due to their unique appearance, petrified wood stone has various applications in interior design. Particularly used in spaces to induce a sense of ancient tapestry, a sensual breezy vibe, and to create a pristine aura around the space. Petrified wood stone slabs can be flexibly used for countertops, tabletops, and wall cladding in interior design spaces.
Petrified Wood is believed to be a grounding and protecting stone, as well as bringing feelings of well-being, safety, and security. Moreover, the visual appeal of petrified wood stone, combined with the woodsy texture and exquisite nature-centric patterns is nearly unmatched by any other natural stone.
Therefore, they make the most rustic and exotic inclusion to your interior space. Check out an exclusive collection of petrified wood stones at Ultra Stones to elevate your interior design project with this precious stone.
