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

Location: Madagascar

Weight: 7.4 Ounces

Dimensions: 4.3 Inches Long, 3.4 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 polished specimen of Madagascar petrified wood highlights the extraordinary process by which ancient forests were transformed into stone. Carefully finished to enhance its natural luster, the surface reveals flowing patterns and vivid mineral coloration that trace the original growth rings and grain of the tree.

In the late Tertiary period, Madagascar was dominated by dense forests growing in volcanically active regions. When eruptions occurred, trees were rapidly buried beneath layers of ash and lava. This sudden burial isolated the wood from air and biological activity, preventing decomposition and setting the stage for long-term mineral replacement.

As groundwater circulated through the volcanic sediments, dissolved silica and other minerals slowly permeated the wood. Over immense spans of time, these minerals replaced the organic material cell by cell, preserving the internal structure in remarkable detail. Quartz, chalcedony, opal, jasper, and calcite are commonly responsible for the fossilization seen in these specimens.

The rich spectrum of colors is the result of trace elements absorbed during mineralization. Iron produces warm earth tones ranging from amber to deep rust, while manganese contributes darker accents and cool blue-gray hues. Each piece is unique, reflecting the precise geochemical conditions present during its formation millions of years ago.