4.1" Fossilized Polished Petrified Wood Branch Madagascar 66-225 Million Yrs Old

Location: Madagascar

Weight: 6.1 Ounces

Dimensions: 4.1 Inches Long, 3.3 Inches Wide, 0.5 Inches Thick

The item pictured is the one you will receive. 

66-225 million years old Cretaceous and Quaternary periods

This striking piece of Madagascar petrified wood offers a window into a long-lost volcanic landscape where ancient forests once flourished. Polished to a smooth finish, the specimen reveals complex bands of color and finely preserved wood grain, showcasing the remarkable transformation from living tree to stone.

During the late Tertiary period, much of Madagascar was shaped by active volcanism. Vast forests grew near volcanoes, and periodic eruptions dramatically altered the environment. When lava flows and thick ash layers swept across the land, fallen trees were quickly buried. This rapid entombment sealed the wood away from oxygen and microorganisms, halting decay and creating the ideal conditions for fossilization.

Over millions of years, mineral-rich groundwater slowly infiltrated the buried wood. Silica-based minerals—including quartz, chalcedony, jasper, opal, and calcite—replaced the original plant material while preserving the cellular structure of the wood. Subtle variations in trace elements determined the specimen’s color palette: iron contributed warm reds, browns, and golden tones, while manganese introduced cooler shades of charcoal, blue, and black.

The result is a naturally sculpted fossil that combines scientific significance with timeless beauty, making it a prized addition to any fossil collection or natural décor display.