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Petrified Wood:
Tectosilicates Silicon dioxide (Crytocrystalline quartz pseudomorphed after wood) SiO2 AKA: Chalcedony, Wood Agate, Wood Opal |
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System: None; Chalcedony is a microcrystalline variety of quartz. Appearance: Replacement of cell structures preserves original wood texture in agate or opal. Color dependent on mineral contamination present in the ground water; luster waxy, vitreous, dull, streak white. Physical properties: Hardness: (7); Specific gravity: (2.6 - 2.64); Cleavage: None. Smooth conchoidal fracture; transparent when colorless, otherwise translucent to opaque as colors get darker. Dull waxy to vitreous luster depending on granularity and the variety; brittle to tough; sometimes weakly fluorescent. Chalcedony is amorphous without the vectorial properties of quartz. Similar species: Very few minerals are confused with chalcedony. Occurrence: The process of fossilization of trees is not entirely understood. Soluble silica is slowly deposited as the organic matter of the tree is dissolved. This process is extremely slow so that the delicate structures were retained, allowing recognition of the original form and shape. Excellent wood specimens may be found in many spots in Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. Miscellaneous: Not all petrified wood has been silicified. Logs have been found that were almost pure uranium. Conventional Wisdom: Petrified wood is a stone of transformation, assisting one to advance to ones highest chosen level, to commence ascension to a higher aspect of the self, and to recognize that no action is truely unnecessary - but that all actions bring one to ones ultimate purpose. Protection against infection. Aids past-life recall. Good for arthritis and rheumatism. Relates to tissue regeneration and longevity. Restores physical energy. Helps hip and back problems. Petrified wood is also carried as a charm against drowning. Belongs to the Astrological Sign of Leo. |