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

Location: Madagascar

Weight: 7.4 Ounces

Dimensions: 4.3 Inches Long, 3.6 Inches Wide, 0.4 Inches Thick

The item pictured is the one you will receive. 

66-225 million years old Cretaceous and Quaternary periods

This polished petrified wood specimen from Madagascar captures the remarkable beauty formed at the intersection of nature and deep geological time. Finished to a smooth, reflective surface, it reveals intricate patterns and vibrant colors created during the fossilization process, making it a striking display piece for collectors and enthusiasts.

During the late Tertiary period, Madagascar was covered by extensive forests thriving across volcanic landscapes. Periodic eruptions buried fallen trees under layers of ash and lava, cutting off oxygen and slowing decay. This environment allowed the wood to undergo silicification, a slow mineral replacement process that preserved the original cellular structure while transforming it into stone.

Over millions of years, the wood’s organic material was replaced by silica-based minerals such as quartz, chalcedony, jasper, opal, and calcite. Trace elements present during mineralization produced the specimen’s vivid coloration: iron compounds contributed warm reds, browns, and amber tones, while manganese added deep blues, grays, and black highlights.

Madagascar petrified wood is highly prized by fossil collectors, lapidary artists, and interior designers for its durability, unique patterns, and geological significance. Each polished specimen offers a one-of-a-kind glimpse into ancient forests and volcanic activity, connecting viewers to the distant past of our planet.