Petrified oak

Petrified oaks are an interesting example of wood fossilization that is often found in areas of volcanic activity. During the process of fossilization, the chemical composition of wood changes, where organic matter is replaced by minerals such as quartz, pyrite or other metal-containing minerals.

This process can result in different color shades and patterns that are very impressive. For example, the formation of stony wood can be caused by the absorption of iron oxide, which gives the wood a reddish-brown color, or it can be the result of the absorption of manganese oxide, which causes a bluish-purple color.

Since wood can take thousands of years to fossilize, petrified wood is a source of information about Earth's history. For example, by analyzing petrified wood, scientists can learn about changes in climate, vegetation, and geological events in the past.

Dimensions: approx 18 x 11 x 3 cm

Age: Miocene, about 15 million years ago

Location: South Bohemia