5.1" Fossilized Polished Petrified Wood Branch Madagascar 66-225 Million Yrs Old
Location: Madagascar
Weight: 11.9 Ounces
Dimensions: 5.1 Inches Long, 3.9 Inches Wide, 0.5 Inches Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
66-225 million years old Cretaceous and Quaternary periods
Originating from Madagascar's ancient volcanic terrain, this petrified wood specimen documents a geological narrative spanning 66 to 225 million years. The polished branch exhibits the characteristic silicification process wherein silica-based minerals—quartz, chalcedony, jasper, opal, and calcite—systematically replaced the original wood's cellular matrix. Rapid burial beneath volcanic ash and lava during the late Tertiary period created anaerobic conditions that arrested biological decomposition, enabling this mineral transformation. The specimen's chromatic complexity reflects its mineralogical composition: iron oxides produce the warm ochres and russets, while manganese introduces cooler slate and ebony tones. The smooth, reflective finish accentuates the intricate banding patterns and color gradations inherent to the fossilization process. Prized by collectors for its geological significance, structural integrity, and aesthetic appeal, this polished branch serves as both a scientific specimen and a refined decorative object, offering tangible evidence of Madagascar's primordial forest ecosystems and the transformative power of deep time.
