Agatized Petrified Wood

Description

This chunk of raw agatized petrified wood is a lovely piece to add to raw gemstone collections or Southwestern décor styles. Alternatively, it can also be used in a tumbler to turn this into a gorgeous piece of tumbled stone.

Size: Approx. 3.25″, 152g

What Does “Agatized” Mean?

While many of us know what petrified wood is, the term “agatized” may be new to you. Agatization is the process by which silica-rich solutions permeate and replace the original material of a rock or fossil with agate, a type of microcrystalline quartz. This process typically occurs in sedimentary rocks or fossils, where the silica solution slowly fills in the cavities or spaces left behind by the original material. Over time, the silica solution solidifies and forms layers of agate within the rock or fossil, creating intricate patterns and colors. Agatization can result in the preservation of the original structure of the rock or fossil while transforming it into a beautiful and durable agate specimen. This will give it the appearance of or actually turn it into a form of agate.

How Does this Occur in Petrified Wood?

In the process of petrification, organic material such as wood is gradually replaced by minerals, typically silica (in the form of quartz), through a process called permineralization. When a tree or piece of wood is buried in sediment or volcanic ash, it can become saturated with groundwater rich in dissolved silica. Over time, the silica solution seeps into the cellular structure of the wood, replacing the organic material with silica and preserving the original structure of the wood at a microscopic level. As the process continues, the wood is transformed into petrified wood, where the organic material has been completely replaced by minerals, resulting in a fossilized piece of wood with the appearance and properties of stone. Agatization can occur during this petrification process, leading to the formation of agate within the petrified wood as silica-rich solutions fill in the cellular structure and create colorful patterns and bands. If you would like to know more about petrified wood, click this link.

This agatized petrified wood piece is a WYSIWYG.

For those who are unfamiliar with WYSIWYG, it means: What You See Is What You Get. Pieces identified as WYSIWYGs are not a random pull of stones that are similar to the one(s) pictured. Instead, you receive the actual piece that is pictured.

If you love unique agate pieces, you will also love this moss agate dragon head.

Please Note:

1. Sizes and weights are approximate. Dimension sizes can vary based on the way the rock is formed. We hand measure our pieces on the longest side. Please see the pictures in the listing.
2. The colors may vary due to monitor and lighting differences.
3. Please use your own judgment when allowing children to handle.
4. Not suggested for use in animal habitats or fish tanks.