Fossilized trees are found in sedimentary and volcanic deposits of the Permian and Carboniferous Periods around the world. The process of fossilization occurs underground when wood is buried under clay, sand, and volcanic ash as a result of a collapse, flood, volcanic eruption, and other natural phenomena. The access of oxygen thereto is stopped and the rotting wood is delayed, but there are other physical and chemical processes. Mineral-rich water flowing through the sediment brings minerals to the cells of the dead plant. Over time, organic substances, such as lignin and cellulose, break down, and their place is replaced by stone. The original microscopic structure of the tree is preserved. Thus, the tree turns into stone. On the sections of many fossilized trees, annual rings and characteristic fiber are clearly traced, and on the leaf prints, there is the characteristic location of veins and individual cells. However, the first touch destroys the illusion. To the touch, it is not a ‘warm’ tree, but a cold stone.
Because of their unusual origin, magical and even medicinal properties were attributed to fossilized trees in ancient times. They were used to make shamanic artifacts and other items of worship. Today, it is a beautiful finishing rare material that has the strength of stone, as well as a unique pattern and structure of a living plant. Fossilized trees are used to make decorations, furniture, interior elements, and much more.
The largest fossilized ‘forest’ with an area of 380 square meters is located in the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, USA. The remains of ancient representatives of coniferous, fern, and cycad trees that grew here about 220 million years ago turned into stones. The fossilized remains of these plant giants, under which dinosaurs once walked, reappear from the thickness of the sedimentary deposits that buried them under the influence of wind and water. Time ‘preserved’ prehistoric trees, thus turning them into a source of unique scientific information.
Because of their unusual origin, magical and even medicinal properties were attributed to fossilized trees in ancient times. They were used to make shamanic artifacts and other items of worship. Today, it is a beautiful finishing rare material that has the strength of stone, as well as a unique pattern and structure of a living plant. Fossilized trees are used to make decorations, furniture, interior elements, and much more.
The largest fossilized ‘forest’ with an area of 380 square meters is located in the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, USA. The remains of ancient representatives of coniferous, fern, and cycad trees that grew here about 220 million years ago turned into stones. The fossilized remains of these plant giants, under which dinosaurs once walked, reappear from the thickness of the sedimentary deposits that buried them under the influence of wind and water. Time ‘preserved’ prehistoric trees, thus turning them into a source of unique scientific information.
