Petrified wood

Fossilised plant tissue

Ancient wood whose original material was slowly replaced by minerals.

Paleogene Canada

Sample content • provenance shown broadly for demonstration

At a glance

Fast Facts

65 million years old

Paleogene Period

Tree

Canada

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The Story

When fallen wood is buried before it decays, mineral-rich water can seep through it. Silica and other minerals fill or replace its cells so carefully that growth rings and bark textures may survive in stone.

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Where Does It Fit?

4.6 billion years ago

Today

Paleogene Period

Buried forest deposit • Permineralisation

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