4" Fossilized Polished Petrified Wood Branch Madagascar 66-225 Million Yrs Old
Location: Madagascar
Weight: 8.3 Ounces
Dimensions: 4 Inches Long, 3.3 Inches Wide, 0.6 Inches Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
66-225 million years old Cretaceous and Quaternary periods
This polished Madagascar petrified wood specimen is a striking decorative fossil, expertly finished to a smooth, glossy surface that enhances its naturally vibrant patterns and mineral-rich coloration. The intricate blend of hues reflects the complex geological processes that transformed ancient wood into stone over millions of years.
During the late Tertiary period, vast forested landscapes surrounded active volcanic regions across Madagascar. Periodic volcanic eruptions rapidly buried fallen trees beneath layers of ash and lava, sealing them away from oxygen and preventing microbial decay. This rapid burial created ideal conditions for petrification, allowing the original wood structure to be preserved in remarkable detail.
Over time, the organic material was gradually replaced by silica-rich minerals, including quartz, chalcedony, jasper, opal, and calcite. Trace elements introduced during mineralization are responsible for the specimen’s stunning coloration. Iron compounds produce warm tones of amber, rust, and brown, while manganese contributes dramatic shades of blue, gray, and deep black.
Highly valued by fossil collectors, lapidary enthusiasts, and interior designers, Madagascar petrified wood is prized for its durability, scientific significance, and exceptional natural beauty. Each polished specimen is unique, offering a timeless glimpse into Earth’s volcanic past and ancient forest ecosystems.