Mineral Species: Quartz var. Fossilised Wood

Chemical Formula: SiO2

Chemical Name: Silicon Dioxide

Mineral Class: Tectosilicate

Mineral Notes: Fossilised Wood is a variety of Quartz whereby silica has permeated into decaying wood and very gradually replaced the former living woody tissues with a hard mineralised silicate material. The deposition ofter retains the shape and form of these internal structures which results in specimens which very closely resemble the original plant. 

Description: A part of fossilised branch which perfectly retains the original form and shape. The texture of the bark is seen perfectly as is the internal structure including growth rings. One end of the specimen has been polished to bring out the beauty of the silification process, whist the other has been left untouched showing the natural form of these striking specimens.

Location: Petrified Forest, Arizona, USA.