Where is Petrified Wood found?
Petrified Wood (Silicified 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.
Gippsland, Victoria, Australia
Known for its significant deposits of petrified wood, often found in coal seams and associated sedimentary rocks.
Patagonia, Argentina
Features extensive petrified forests, particularly in the Santa Cruz Province, with large trunks and diverse species preserved.
Lescun, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, France
Contains petrified wood from the Oligocene epoch, often found in riverbeds and alluvial deposits.
Axel Heiberg Island, Nunavut, Canada
Home to a remarkably preserved Eocene fossil forest, where petrified wood is found in situ, often still rooted.
Qinghai Province, China
Significant discoveries of petrified wood, including large logs, have been made in various geological formations.
Collecting tips
- Look in Sedimentary Environments. Focus on areas with ancient floodplains, riverbeds, volcanic ash deposits, and sedimentary rock formations where rapid burial of organic material would have occurred.
- Identify Wood Grain and Structure. Even though it's stone, petrified wood retains the characteristic features of wood, such as growth rings, bark patterns, and sometimes even insect borings. Look for these textures on weathered surfaces.
- Check for Hardness. Petrified wood is typically composed of quartz (Mohs hardness 7), so it will be much harder than unpetrified wood and will scratch glass. This helps differentiate it from modern wood or other fossilized plant material.
- Observe Color and Luster. While colors vary, the vitreous to waxy luster is a key indicator. The colors are often vibrant and distinct from the duller tones of modern wood.
- Research Local Geology. Consult geological maps and reports for areas known to have fossil-bearing strata or ancient forest environments. Many national parks and protected areas have specific regulations regarding fossil collection, so always check local laws.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Variable (brown, red, gray, black, yellow, etc.)
- Luster:
- Vitreous to waxy
- Streak:
- White
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