Where is Petrified Wood found?
Fossilized Wood
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Open the appPetrified Wood occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Petrified Wood
Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, USA
World-renowned for its vast deposits of petrified wood, primarily from the Triassic Chinle Formation. The wood is predominantly silicified and exhibits a wide range of vibrant colors.
Gresik, East Java, Indonesia
Known for large, well-preserved petrified wood logs, often with intricate details and rich coloration, dating back to the Miocene epoch.
Patagonia, Argentina
Features extensive petrified forests, particularly in the Sarmiento Petrified Forest, with large logs from the Jurassic period.
Lescun, France
Contains petrified wood from the Permian period, offering insights into ancient European flora.
Axel Heiberg Island, Nunavut, Canada
Home to a fossil forest from the Eocene epoch, where petrified wood is found in situ, providing valuable paleobotanical data.
Collecting tips
- Research Local Geology. Identify areas known for sedimentary deposits, especially those associated with ancient floodplains, volcanic ash, or river systems. Geological maps and local geological surveys are excellent resources.
- Look for Specific Environments. Petrified wood is often found in eroded badlands, riverbeds, and areas where sedimentary layers are exposed. Look for areas with evidence of past plant life and rapid burial.
- Observe Surface Features. Keep an eye out for rock fragments that exhibit wood grain, growth rings, or bark-like textures. The weight of petrified wood is often greater than that of ordinary wood due to mineral replacement.
- Check for Hardness. Petrified wood, being largely quartz, will be significantly harder than unpetrified wood. It will scratch glass and cannot be scratched by a steel knife.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations. Always be aware of local regulations regarding fossil collection. Many areas, especially national parks and protected lands, prohibit or restrict the removal of petrified wood. Obtain necessary permits if required and practice ethical collecting by leaving enough for others and for scientific study.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Variable, often earthy tones with visible wood grain
- Luster:
- Vitreous to waxy
- Streak:
- White
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