Walking or hiking has a completely different aspect for those of us who collect rocks and fossils. Instead of looking
around at the scenery (which I admit, I do on occasion) you walk with your eyes downcast, looking for that special rock,
mineral or fossil that might be found along your path.
It’s amazing to think of the incredible numbers of plants, insects and animals that had to be present on the earth to
produce the number of species of petrified wood, cycads and fossilized pine cones that we find today. Petrified wood
represents a vast variety of trees that grew on the surface of our planet millions of years ago. There are hundreds of
petrified wood species that still exist today and countless numbers of extinct species. These species were then
presented with just the right conditions to be preserved as the mineralized wood we find today, which is basically silica.
Groundwater containing minerals dissolved the organic materials in the wood and replaced it with a variety of
substances transforming it into the petrified wood material we find today. Those minerals determine the color of the
fossils, resulting in the various colors of petrified woods found around the globe today. Of course, there is no shortage
of petrified wood as it is quite prevalent around the globe, found in volcanic deposits and sedimentary rocks in various
locations.
The bulk of petrified woods found are composed of varieties of hydrous microcrystalline varieties of quartz know as
chalcedony (agates – banded or variegated, carnelian –orange to red, prase – greenish, jasper – opaque) or common
opal (translucent milky white , yellow, greenish or grayish colors). Occasionally the groundwater conditions are such
that the minerals form into precious opal. Amethyst, smoky quartz and citrine are rarely found in petrified wood.
Even our early ancestors were intrigued with the giant tree trunks and bones found in their surroundings. These
specimens were made into homes, jewelry, utensils, weapons, and even grave markers by our ancestors. As early as the
4th century it was noted that petrifying occurred near mineral hot springs, changing the bones or plants and converting
them to stone. History shows philosophers of Aristotle’s school recorded such events. Fossils were found in temples,
graves and other historical sites showing that even the ancients looked down while walking. Pieces of petrified wood
were traded and travelled long distances even in early times.
Records show that the concept of “burning” fossils to release ancient powers was also practiced in North America by
early Indian tribes. Archeologists discovered charred, petrified wood that in a paleo-Indian site in New Jersey that
dated from around A.D. 1000. Petrified wood appeared to be identified even then as a piece of a tree that had turned to
stone. Ancient oceans, inland seas and lakes would have been instrumental in creating the conditions to turn these
prehistoric trees into the fossils found by both our ancestors and fossil hunters of today.
Petrified wood may be collected today on public lands with certain guidelines. For BLM lands, the maximum quantity
of petrified wood that any one person is allowed to remove without charge per day is 25 pounds in weight plus one
piece, provided that the maximum total amount that one person may remove in one calendar year shall not exceed 250
pounds.
PaleoBOND’s Penetrant Stabilizer can be used to strengthen the fossil to allow it to be cut into cabachons for jewelry
and other ornamental uses. Petrified wood makes beautiful jewelry when cut and polished. Other strengths of
structural adhesive can then be used to bond broken pieces back together to make a beautiful display piece. PreSERVE
is a new product created by PaleoBOND master Bill Mason that will protect petrified wood and other fossils from the
elements in outside displays. It seals the fragile fossils and trackways and prevents moisture from getting into the fossil
where freezing and thawing become its worst enemy to withstand the test of time.
There are many books to read and seminars to attend to learn more about petrified wood and our other fossil resources.
Your local Gem, Mineral and Fossil Club is a great place to start to educate yourself and keep the art of collecting alive
for future generations.