Petrified wood: magical properties of the stone, products, how much it costs

Petrified wood is an organogenic rock that was formed during past geological eras from the remains of trees that underwent metamorphic changes.

Petrified wood slice

In the trees of the Carboniferous and Permian periods, which died under the sediment of volcanic products, in the absence of oxygen access, organic components were gradually replaced by mineral elements: often by opal and chalcedony, less often by siderites and quartz. The auxiliary components were carbonates, iron hydroxides and pyrites.

Under the influence of these processes and time, ordinary wood turned into fossils of unique beauty, which, even after millions of years, retained their natural wood texture.

The physical properties of petrified wood are similar to many rock-forming minerals. Fossils are characterized by high hardness and density, are easily processed due to the lack of brittleness, and have a waxy luster and conchoidal fracture. The crystals lack cleavage, as well as the effects of iridescence and pleochroism. Petrified wood does not react to acids, is not malleable and has no magnetic properties.

The structure of wood stone is opaque with predominant shades of brown, black, gray and red. Lines are indicated in white, but sometimes the line can be colored.

How is petrified wood made?

The fossilization process occurs underground when the tree becomes buried under sediment but does not deteriorate due to lack of oxygen.

Mineral-rich water flowing through the sediment brings the minerals into the plant cells, and when the lignin and cellulose break down, the rock remains in its original shape.

In this case, all organic matter is replaced by minerals (often silicates such as quartz), and the original microscopic structure of the tree is preserved. The plant seems to be preserved.

Southern frame in medicine

Stonewood has good healing properties and is widely used in medicine. It contains elements of organic acids, tannins, pectins, dyes, sugar, oil, many vitamins, and mineral salts. Decoctions are made from the roots and fruits of the stone tree, which are used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. They also strengthen the cardiovascular system well and increase the body’s protective functions. To prepare such decoctions, fruits and roots are prepared in advance: berries - after ripening, and roots - before the growing season.

Physicochemical characteristics

The hardness of petrified wood is 5.5-6 on the Mohs scale. The fracture is conchoidal. Glass or wax luster. There is no cleavage. The syngony is amorphous. Composition: silica (SiO2) with impurities.

Petrified wood from Madagascar

The presence of certain impurities of chemical elements, such as iron, manganese, copper, in water (mud) during petrification (petrification process) gives the resulting petrified wood one or another color from a fairly wide range of colors:

carbon - black
cobalt - green/blue
chrome - green/blue
copper - green/blue
iron oxide - red, brown, yellow
manganese – pink/orange
manganese oxide - black/yellow

Types of trees

Not every petrified tree is of artistic interest. For example, in the Moscow region they find black pieces of petrified wood that resembles coal.

There is also wood replaced by pyrite, which immediately oxidizes in air.

Decorativeness is determined by color, pattern, texture. Samples with small contrasting patterns are used for jewelry. Material with large patterns is used for candlesticks, writing instruments, and boxes.

The petrified wood fashion is not a modern trend. Even in the times of Assyria, Babylon and Rome, it was considered an ornamental stone.

Petrified wood can be divided into several types based on its texture:

spotted - the most common and beautiful variety. Most often they consist of opal, chalcedony, and iron hydroxides. The content and ratio of components vary, so it is impossible to find samples with two identical patterns;

Spotted petrified tree

lens The structure is formed when large voids in the wood are filled with chalcedony or opal to form lenses. Most often they are oriented linearly. Iron hydroxides, developing in the same directions, emphasize the pattern;

Lens petrified wood

concentric-zonal. Opal-chalcedony layers form circles repeating the pattern of annual rings. In cross section it has a striped pattern. The color of the stone depends on the deposit;

Concentrically zoned petrified wood

homogeneous. The fossil is uniformly colored, ranging from white to black, depending on the composition. Zoning is not expressed, but the original texture of the wood is preserved. White opal wood is most often used to make crafts;

Homogeneous petrified wood

jet-shaped. Most often its composition is carbon-carbonate or carbon-opal. The color of the wood is black with a pronounced concentric pattern. Outwardly it resembles jet or black jade.

Jet petrified tree

Place of Birth

Petrified wood is often found in volcanic areas where volcanic eruptions have occurred in forested areas. Chinese scientists have discovered fossilized trees along with dinosaur remains dating back 100 million years.

Polished section of petrified wood from Arizona

Significant deposits of petrified wood have been found in different places on Earth: the USA (Arizona), Chile (Patagonia), Egypt, Russia (Central Siberia, Kamchatka, Primorye, Chukotka). Petrified trees have also been found in the European part of Russia.

Trees can be either coniferous or deciduous. The most famous fossilized tree discovery site in the world is the Petrified Forest in Arizona, where petrified Araucaria trunks reach a length of 65 meters and a diameter of 3 meters.

The most famous petrified forests on the planet (usually national parks):

In Argentina - one of the largest natural monuments in Argentine Patagonia.
In Belgium - the Gudberg geosite near Hoegaarden.
In Brazil there is the Paleorotta Geopark.
In Greece, the petrified forest in the west of the island of Lesvos (probably the largest, with an area of 150 square kilometers), has had the status of a natural monument since 1985.
In Egypt: petrified forest near the Cairo-Suez road, the area near New Cairo, Maadi, El Farafra oasis.
In India - Thiruvakkarai near Madras.
In Canada - Axel Heiberg Island in Nunavut.
In Libya - hundreds of square kilometers in the Libyan Desert with various fossils.
In New Zealand - Curio Bay on the coast of the South Island.
In the USA: Lemmon Park (South Dakota), Ginkgo State Park in Washington State, Grotto of the Redemption Private Park in Iowa, Petrified Forest in Arizona (including the Agate Petrified Wood House), Mississippi Petrified Forest in Flora, State Mississippi, Florissant Fossil Beds National Natural Monument near Florissant, Colorado.
In Russia - in the Moscow, Kursk, Samara regions.
In the Czech Republic - Nova Paka.
In Ukraine - Donetsk region, Druzhkovka.
In Madagascar.

The magical properties of petrified wood

In ancient cultures, petrified wood was considered a symbol of the universe. Protective magical objects were made from it, which protected the house and its inhabitants from theft, accidents, natural disasters, predatory animals, enemies and envious people.

Figurines carved from wood fossils and placed in the house contributed to the harmonization of relationships, respect and mutual understanding between relatives.

Among the Slavs, amulets made of petrified wood with protective symbols acted as a kind of energy shield, reflecting negative messages in the form of damage, slander or the evil eye. Carvings of gods and beasts were used in rituals to invoke higher powers, to ask for luck in a hunt or a good harvest.

In modern times, petrified wood is used to attract material wealth and achieve goals as quickly as possible. The stone teaches you to overcome obstacles with dignity, to perceive life-changing changes philosophically, to enjoy existing benefits, to enjoy accomplishments and pleasant little things, without getting hung up on the material sphere.

Ordinary frame (southern)

Frame, or stone wood, has more than 50 species. Most often these are deciduous plants, but sometimes they are evergreen. The frame is also found in the form of a bush. It grows in the tropics, subtropics and temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. What is the shape of the stone tree? has a round shape. The leaves are oval (up to 15 cm), elongated, with small serrations. The structure of the leaves is very rigid.

The frame is adapted to arid rocky soil prone to salinity. He is very thermophilic. The frame also takes root well in urban environments and is used for decorative purposes.

Talismans, amulets, amulets

Petrified wood has long been used to make all kinds of amulets and talismans. For example, the inhabitants of Ancient Rome were sure that this fossil rock returned its owner from heaven to earth, eliminated illusions, sharpened the mind and helped him solve all problems. In the modern world, this property is also relevant, so people who are frivolous, fly in the clouds, indecisive, stupid and mired in problems should get a talisman made of petrified wood.

Petrified wood figurines of animals and gods are very effective and therefore popular. They are reliable amulets for the home, which they protect from accidents and all kinds of disasters, as well as from thieves and other scammers. Such figurines also improve relationships between those who live under the same roof, bring family members closer together and bring happiness.

There is a belief that if you stroke a petrified wood amulet before leaving home and promise to return, then nothing will happen to the person. You should also order the figurine to guard the house and maintain order in it, then the “fossil guard” will reliably protect the home from any adversity during the absence of its owner.

When going to a crowded place, you should wear a ring and/or bracelet with petrified wood. Such a talisman will protect against “evil eyes” (envy, damage, the evil eye) and “long arms” (theft or violence).

This is interesting!

Feng Shui also recognizes the power of petrified wood and correlates it with growth energy and mental fortitude. If you place a piece of fossil wood in the south-eastern side of the house, then financial well-being and monetary luck will certainly come to its owner.

What made the frame famous?

Stone wood is famous for its extraordinary properties. Its heavy and dense wood is highly prized. It is characterized by flexibility, elasticity, strength, and hardness, which is why it has long been widely used in construction. Many have heard about the mausoleum of Sultan Sanjar, but it was built in the 12th century (Turkmenistan) precisely from the southern frame.

Many peoples in ancient times loved to wear various talismans and amulets. In many Central Asian countries, such miraculous contraptions were made from stone wood. They were worn around the neck or hung in homes. It was also believed that pieces of wood from the frame had magical powers; they protected against evil spirits and bad looks. Such pieces, or “dagans,” were hung above the entrance to the house or at the gate.

Stonewood is not very demanding and is easy to grow. It is considered sacred in some areas of Israel and is used in many ways. There, beads are made from the fruits of the carcass and placed around the necks of children or animals. This is considered a good sign that protects against adversity.

Medicinal properties

Lithotherapists unanimously recognize the unique healing power of petrified wood, aimed at restoring the entire body, restoring its tone and strength in order to prolong life.

Small plate-like cuts of stone wood, which should be applied to sore spots, are widely in demand in lithotherapy. Such a procedure will, at a minimum, relieve pain and swelling, and at best, completely heal the diseased organ.

Once upon a time, the Mongols, by applying plates of fossil wood to the joints, cured arthritis. The same method was used to treat any ailments of the musculoskeletal system, pressing cuts of petrified wood to the spine and other problem areas.

All these healing abilities are recognized by modern lithotherapists, and they also believe that petrified wood can:

Normalize blood pressure, calm the heart rate, relieve stress and nervous tension. In this case, beads are most effective.
Relieve any pain, including injuries.
Nourish with vitality, raise the tone of the body, promote physical activity of a person.
Strengthen the effect of medications, especially those that fight infections and viruses.
Eliminate mental retardation, restore memory and concentrate attention, which requires looking at a sample every day, trying to remember even the smallest details.

This is interesting!

In ancient times, the Udmurts called the petrified tree “devil’s fingers,” because they believed that these were the broken off fingers of the “merman,” that is, Vumurt or the “master of water.” This belief did not stop them from using pieces of fossil wood to treat many diseases.

Areas of application

Petrified wood has been used as a raw material for jewelry since ancient times. The value of the samples is associated with the originality of shape, design and age of many millions of years, which is valued by collectors.

Petrified wood sculptures

This decorative stone is very easy to process. It is perfectly cut, ground and polished, resulting in a unique glass sheen. When processed, it does not lose its wood texture.

Varieties of petrified wood that have a fine contrasting pattern are used to make inserts and small jewelry, such as beads, bracelets, etc. Decorative stone with clearly defined lines of growth rings is especially valuable. When making jewelry, such samples are often combined with precious metals, other stones and glass.

Petrified wood is also used in the production of various souvenirs and interior decoration items. These can be pens, ashtrays, vases, boxes, shelves, countertops and much more. For the manufacture of such products, a material is often used that is characterized by less pronounced zoning and has a spotted-striped or large-spotted pattern.

Artificial petrified wood is used in interior decoration and park areas.

The petrified tree is considered the emblem of the Canadian province of Alberta and the American state of Washington.

The most suitable natural conditions

Most often, petrified wood is formed in areas with seismic activity and post-volcanic processes with metamorphism at low temperatures. In this case, silicic acid should be active during the burial of trees under volcanic elements. Also, a similar process of formation of petrified wood is possible when wood is buried under crumbly sedimentary materials, which include sand dunes, moraines, etc.

They can form in various parts of the world where conditions are similar to those described above.

Petrified wood is a stone (photos below) that is used to make jewelry and decorations. It is also often collected because they are very diverse.

Prices

Prices for products made from this material are formed not only taking into account the value of the petrified wood itself, but also taking into account the cost of the craftsman’s services, depreciation of equipment, transportation, etc. Therefore, it is almost impossible to determine the exact cost without carefully calculating all costs and analyzing the market.

However, according to statistics, the average cost, for example, of coffee tables made of this material ranges from 70-120 thousand rubles. Large tables can cost 300 thousand, or 400, and even more.

The average price for wash basins is determined in the range from 40 to 60 thousand rubles. At the same time, such a product will serve for years and looks very stylish. There are many uses for fossilized rocks. People value them primarily because of their aesthetic properties, durability and exclusivity.

As for jewelry and accessories, it is almost impossible for a layman to determine the cost of the petrified wood itself. Moreover, they always come as an addition to the main material, gold or other precious metal.

How to distinguish from a fake

Petrified Wood
Shell Petrified wood is a mineral structure that took several million years to form. Organic substances in it are completely replaced by minerals. Of course, there may be inclusions and even fossilized insects, but this is rare. The most important indicators that make a fossil especially valuable are:

Bright colors and play of colors.
Intricate texture. The main thing is that it has a pronounced plant character (growth rings, knots, bark irregularities, etc.).
Medium hardness and uniformity. The fossil should not flake or disintegrate easily.
The overall size of the fossil and the size of the plant that formed it. Small plants (young trees) can only be used to make decorations. And the larger ones include tables, washbasins and even mantelpieces.

It is important that anyone recognizes a tree at first sight. Otherwise, the specimen will be considered only an ordinary sedimentary mineral structure. Yes, it can also be used as a decorative element. But the cost will be several times lower.

Petrified Wood Ball

For a material to be called “petrified wood”, it must have the following properties:

Have a well-preserved three-dimensional structure of the plant that formed it.
Come from a different geological era. At a minimum - from the Pleistocene (now we live in the Holocene era, which began about 120,000 years ago). But this is rare, most fossils have come to us from the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras, that is, they are already from 66 million to 500 million years old. Theoretically, a tree can petrify in 100 years. But such samples will not have the required hardness. They will disintegrate under slight pressure and are not suitable for the production of decorative elements. The older the petrified wood, the higher its value.
Have as many metal inclusions as possible. Quartz crystals are colorless, but metal oxides color the fossil like a child's coloring book:
Iron occurs only in oxide. Gives all shades of brown - from brown, almost black, to yellow.
Copper, depending on the state of oxidation, produces colors ranging from green to blue.
Chrome and cobalt are also painted blue-green, but with different shades.
The remains of organic compounds produce carbon, which forms all shades of gray and black.
Mined from one of the famous petrified forests. There are many such places in the world, but each of them has its own individual characteristics.
Handled by an experienced artist. The petrified tree itself is just a piece of stone, albeit a beautiful color with an original texture. But to turn it into an expensive finishing material, you need to be creative. Select the brightest elements and give them the desired shape. Very few people know how to work with stone, so some things made from fossils have high artistic value.

The power of beauty lies in a coincidence

Wood organic matter is replaced by those substances with which it comes into contact.
If a tree is covered with sand, its tissues are most likely to turn into silica, and the cellular and vascular structure of the plant can be preserved in great detail.

A pine tree grown on the slope of a chalk mountain has every chance of undergoing geological metamorphoses and turning into (with inclusions and dolomite). Marbled wood, reacting with salt solutions of varying acidity, often changes color. Delicate tones of grayish-pink, yellowish, crimson and even purple colors appear in the thickness of calcined wood after a leisurely interaction with compounds of various metals.

Substitution reactions in the same piece of wood can occur more than once. It is still unknown exactly how silica in tree trunks found in coal deposits of North Asian regions is converted into.

How to care

Caring for petrified wood products is quite easy. You just need to remember a few rules:

If this is a piece of jewelry or a small item, then it should be stored individually or wrapped in soft cloth. The mineral is quite hard and not at all brittle, but many precious gems can scratch it.
Products should be cleaned with soapy water and a soft sponge, followed by thorough rinsing with cool water.
Do not use abrasive products or those based on acids (acids corrode the coating, and abrasives can scratch it).

Uses of fruits and leaves

The stone tree has edible fruits. When ripe, they acquire a dark purple color, almost black. The fruits are shaped like a small ball. In Israel, a national delicacy is made from these fruits. There are seeds inside the fruit. A very healthy oil is produced from them, the composition of which is similar to almond oil. The fruits are also ground into flour and a very tasty dish is prepared from it - “prishmi” (porridge). Many owners in Armenia plant the frame in their gardens for the sake of these fruits. The tannins contained in the bark of this tree are used to produce fabric dyes.

Goats and silkworms love to eat the leaves of the hackberry. And birds love to peck at the fruits.

Who is suitable according to the horoscope?

Stone tree is favorable for all zodiac signs.

Aries, armed with petrified wood, will become inaccessible to any negative energy - damage, evil eye, envy and hatred. At the same time, he will be fueled by the forces of the fossil “comrade” and will achieve success in many areas of his life. This is especially true for financial well-being.
Taurus will become more assertive in achieving their goals, and the mineral will make this “path less bumpy.” Representatives of this sign will also stop getting angry over trifles and showing aggressiveness towards other people’s opinions, which will have the best impact on their relationship with others and on career growth.
For Gemini, petrified wood will help smooth out the duality of nature and become more stable in their decisions. They will become more patient and persistent. As a result, things put off until later will be resolved much faster, and the financial “takeoff” will not take long to arrive.
For Cancers, the “fossil friend” promises great happiness and luck. Representatives of this sign will begin to have their most secret dreams come true one by one. Cancers will become more positive and sincere in their communication, and will also notice clear improvements in their health.
For Leos and their loved ones, petrified wood will become a reliable shield from failures and negative messages. It will also help them make useful contacts, discover their leadership qualities and become a good leader.
Virgos will get rid of negative emotions, remove the “gray veil” from their eyes, and begin to assess what is happening exclusively positively and optimistically. They will be able to forget about their complexes, become more relaxed and self-confident.
Libra will gain mental acuity, develop logical thinking and speed up their reactions. All important and complex life tasks will be solved as quickly as two, and the reserve of strength will not run out, but will only increase. Loneliness will subside, loved ones will return, lost relatives will be found, and ever-busy friends will start dropping by for tea.
For Scorpios, petrified wood will help them hide their shortcomings more deeply and highlight their strengths, which others will begin to notice. Representatives of this sign will learn to find compromises and get along even with difficult people. They will also learn the power of their own Self and feel capable of “moving mountains.”
Sagittarius will become wiser, they will learn to understand the meaning of other people's actions, respect other people's opinions and appreciate what they have. The fossil mineral will teach them to sense lies, distinguish between deliberate deception and hypocrisy, and avoid traps set by enemies, envious people or competitors. Sagittarius previously had well-developed intuition, but now they will learn to hear its prompts within themselves and listen to them.
Capricorns will improve relationships with relatives, in particular, mutual understanding will be established with their spouse, parents and children, and warm communication will be established with those more distant. Petrified wood will also help representatives of this sign begin to do what they love, not only as a hobby, but also to receive real material benefits.
Aquarians will become more hardworking. They will stop shifting responsibility to others and will begin to take the initiative into their own hands more often, which will earn the respect of many - their other halves, friends, colleagues, bosses. All this will significantly improve their quality of life.
Petrified wood will make fish more energetic. It will push them forward every time they start to doubt and give up. The result will be fulfilled dreams, improved financial situation and increased self-esteem.

Sources and literature

Bank G. -In the world of gems. M: "Mir", 1979
Barsanov G.P., Yakovleva M.E. Mineralogical study of some ornamental and semi-precious varieties of cryptocrystalline silica. // New data on minerals. M. 1981. Issue 29
Kulikov B.F., Bukanov V.V. Dictionary of semi-precious stones. — 2nd ed., revised. and additional - L.: Nedra, 1989. - P. 38. - 168 p.
Schumann V. World of stone. Precious and ornamental stones. - M.: Mir, 1986. P.208.
Schumann V. World of stone. Rocks and minerals. - M.: Mir, 1986. P.48.
Description of petrified wood on Wikipedia ru.wikipedia.org

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Zodiac signs

Petrified wood sink
The “warm” energy of petrified wood can be used by absolutely all representatives of the zodiac system:

Aries will receive a powerful amulet in petrified wood against the evil eye, damage, envy and other negative energy.
With its help, Taurus will gain confidence in strength and assertiveness, which will allow them to easily achieve their goals.
Petrified wood will teach Gemini tolerance, perseverance and cold calculation. This will contribute to rational decision-making and the rapid achievement of goals in the professional field.
Cancers will find a talisman of luck, harmony and happiness in the stone. Fueled by his energy, Cancers will be in a positive mood, and their cherished dreams will begin to come true.
Petrified wood will protect Leo from any negative impact, and will also help develop communication skills and the makings of a leader.
Dev mineral will relieve illusions and negative thoughts. A realistic view of things will make representatives of this sign more relaxed.
For Libra, the stone will help develop logic, prudence and speed of thinking. The energy of the stone will allow you to replenish your vitality, which will have a positive effect on solving life problems and communicating with others.
In Scorpios, petrified wood will develop their best character traits. They will learn to find a compromise even in the most difficult situations.
For Sagittarius, the mineral will give wisdom and understanding, teach respect for others, and develop intuition. With its help, you can easily distinguish lies and hypocrisy.
For Capricorns, petrified wood will help establish relationships with others. This zodiac sign will have the opportunity to turn their favorite hobby into a profitable way to earn money.
In Aquarius, the mineral will develop hard work, initiative and responsibility for decisions made.
Pisces will receive a huge charge of positive energy from the stone. This will make them give up doubts and confidently move towards their goal.

Legend has it that petrified wood can prolong the life of its owner due to the energy that has accumulated in it for millions of years. The greatest closeness of energy in this regard is observed in the stone with Capricorns, Virgos and Taurus, belonging to the elements of Earth.