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

Location: Madagascar

Weight: 7.2 Ounces

Dimensions: 5 Inches Long, 3.2 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 Madagascar petrified wood fossil is a beautifully finished decorative specimen, carefully polished to highlight the intricate mineral patterns formed during fossilization. The surface displays a rich mosaic of natural colors, each created by mineral replacement processes that unfolded deep within the Earth over millions of years.

In the late Tertiary period, large volcanic landscapes dominated Madagascar, supporting dense forests that thrived near active volcanic zones. When eruptions occurred, trees were rapidly entombed beneath ash and lava flows. This sudden burial cut off oxygen and microbial activity, preventing decay and preserving the wood’s internal structure.

As time passed, groundwater saturated with silica slowly permeated the buried logs. The original organic material was replaced cell by cell with minerals such as quartz, chalcedony, jasper, opal, and calcite, transforming the wood into stone while retaining its original grain and texture. Trace elements played a crucial role in the coloration—iron introduced warm amber, red, and brown hues, while manganese produced darker tones of gray, blue, and black.

Prized for both its geological history and visual appeal, polished petrified wood from Madagascar is sought after by fossil collectors, natural history enthusiasts, and those seeking one-of-a-kind decorative pieces formed entirely by nature.