Petrified Wood Crystal: Properties, Benefits & Meanings
Petrified Wood Crystal Overview
Petrified Wood crystal is a special type of Wood that has been turned into stone. It results from organic material, usually trees, being buried and preserved by volcanic ash or sedimentary rock. Such material is found worldwide in petrified forests and national parks.
This article will talk about the properties, meanings, and uses of Petrified Wood crystal.
What Is Petrified Wood?
Petrified Wood is a plant fossil that was once the trunk, root, or branch of a tree that lived in a prehistoric forest. These plant fossils date all the way back to the time of the dinosaurs!
The use of petrified Wood dates back thousands of years, and today we can still find people using it in their homes and even in their jewelry as a way to stay connected with nature.
Etymology
The term “petrified” comes from the Greek word “petra,” which means “rock” or “stone.”
Formation
The geology of petrified Wood is as fascinating and unusual as the fossils themselves. The petrification process involves replacing organic matter with minerals, which in turn creates a stone-like appearance. This preservation process can take millions of years!
Petrified wood forms when the woody stems of plants are buried in wet sediments saturated with dissolved minerals. Petrification occurs when the original organic material in the Wood decays and is replaced by minerals like silica (silicon dioxide) and carbonate.
This process is called permineralization or just simply mineralization. The silica replaces the cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose in the Wood, which makes it possible for the Wood to be preserved for millions of years. In addition, the decomposition leaves behind an empty space that gets filled with minerals from groundwater or mineral-laden water flowing through the ground where the tree once stood.
Petrified Wood Crystal Appearance
The appearance of a petrified Wood crystal is typically similar to modern Wood, though it is usually dark brown or black in color. The annual growth rings are often clearly visible, and the grain pattern may be distinct. Petrified Wood can have a wide range of textures, from smooth to rough. It can also be found in different shapes, such as cylindrical or flat-grained.
The color of petrified Wood varies depending on where it is located and how long it has been buried underground. Petrified Wood can be brown or blackish-brown, green or brownish-green, grayish-white, reddish-orange, or brownish-orange with streaks or flecks of white quartz crystal embedded inside them.
The colors are caused by the presence of different elements in the specimen, like iron, manganese, copper, cobalt, and chromium. Because petrified Wood has such a huge variety of colors and patterns within each piece of stone, collectors love to collect them for their beauty as well as their rarity.
Where Can You Find Petrified Wood Crystals?
You can find Petrified Wood crystals all over the world. However, the most significant deposits of this stone are found in the following three locations:
Petrified Wood Crystal Physical Properties
| Group | Fossils |
| Color | Dull Grey, Brown |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 6.5 – 7 |
| Refractive Index | 1.530 – 1.539 |
| Fracture | Uneven, Splintery |
| Fluorescence | None |
| Specific Gravity | 2.58 – 2.64 |
| Transparency | Opaque |
How To Tell If Petrified Wood Crystal Is Real?
- Hardness: Petrified Wood is harder than other popular stones as it has a hardness of almost seven on the Mohs scale, which measures the relative hardness of minerals based on their ability to scratch other materials. The Mohs scale determines how easily another can scratch one material.
- Check the weight: The weight of your stone should be one of the first things to check when buying this type of gemstone. The density of petrified Wood is 2.6 times the density of water, which means it weighs more than most other gems or stones. If a crystal is light in weight, it could be hollowed out by someone who wants to make extra money on their stone. You should avoid buying any stone that feels too light and doesn’t have any heft to it.
- Texture: The texture of petrified Wood can vary greatly, so it’s important to look at and touch the stone before making a purchase. Small, smooth sections of Wood with a brownish bark color are the easiest to identify as petrified.
If you aren’t sure whether something is authentic, have a professional check it out.
Petrified Wood Crystals Cost And Value
The value of petrified Wood is determined by its size, quality, and color.
- Size: The size of petrified Wood is an important factor to consider when determining its value. Generally speaking, larger wood specimens are worth more than smaller ones.
- Color: The color of a piece of Petrified Wood stone is an important factor to consider when determining its value. The most valuable pieces are usually deep brown or black and have a polished surface. Petrified Wood stones with reddish-brown hues tend to be more common and less expensive than other varieties.
- The vibrancy of its color is also an influential factor. The more vibrant the Wood’s color, the better.
- Quality: Petrified Wood stones with an interesting grain pattern are also considered of higher quality. It is characterized by fine, even grains. If the grain is rough and irregular, the piece may have been cut from a larger stone or broken during transportation.
- Petrified Wood that is free from cracks, bubbles, and other blemishes will generally have a higher value than those with defects. The best types of fossils have a glossy finish that gives off an iridescent sheen when light hits them at different angles.
petrified Wood Crystal Chakra Connection
Third Eye Chakra
The Third Eye Chakra (Ajna) is located in the center of the forehead and is linked to intuition, insight, and psychic abilities. The Third Eye Chakra is considered the seat of the soul, and when balanced, it brings clarity and inner peace.
When this chakra is open, you can understand yourself better and communicate with others more effectively. It is also said that this chakra can open up your psychic abilities. When balanced, you will feel more confident and clear about what you want out of life. It will also help you see past situations and people who no longer serve your highest good.
Root Chakra
Petrified Wood is associated with the Root Chakra (Muladhara). which is located at the root of the spine, and it’s associated with our sense of security and stability. It also represents our connection to Mother Earth and our ability to take care of ourselves.
When balanced, this chakra can help us feel grounded in the here and now, helping us to connect with ourselves and others. It will also allow us to feel secure and stable so that we can take care of ourselves.
Petrified Wood Stone Meaning And Uses
Some uses of Petrified Wood stones are given below.
Jewelry and Ornaments
Petrified Wood stones can be made into beautiful ornamental pieces. In addition, the hard and durable nature of Petrified Wood makes it a great option for making ornaments such as tabletops, bookends, or clock faces. Petrified Wood is also available in a wide range of colors, so you can choose the one that best suits you.
You can even use Petrified Wood as an alternative to regular gemstones. If you are looking for a gift but don’t have enough money to buy expensive jewelry, you could opt for an inexpensive Petrified Wood necklace instead.
Longevity
A Petrified Wood stone is said to be a symbol of longevity. The stone is believed to be able to prolong the wearer’s life, making it a great gift for those planning to celebrate an important milestone in their lives.
It is a mineral that has been around for several million years. The fact that it has survived the test of time can be considered a good sign for anyone who wears Petrified Wood jewelry. It shows that you are not only thinking about the here and now but also planning for the future and beyond.
Strength and Endurance
Petrified Wood is believed to be a stone of strength and endurance. It can help you overcome any obstacle in your way and make sure that you face it with confidence. When you wear Petrified Wood stone jewelry, people will notice that you are not easily discouraged by anything.
The stone is believed to be especially helpful in keeping you grounded and focused during stressful situations. It is a stone that will help you stay calm while dealing with the ups and downs of life.
Protection
Petrified Wood stones are also used for protection. It protects the wearer from physical harm and negative energies. It is also believed to protect against psychic attacks and spiritual harm. Petrified Wood will prevent any negative energy from affecting your life and keep all the positive energy flowing in.
It is a powerful talisman that will keep all the bad luck away from you. Petrified Wood is also believed to help you recover from loss or misfortune.
Stability
A Petrified Wood stone is said to bring stability to your life. The stone helps you recover from emotional traumas and recover lost energy. It is a very powerful stone that will keep all your worries away and ensure you focus on the positive side of things.
Petrified Wood can help you feel more confident and secure if you’re feeling insecure or anxious. It can also help you let go of any worries about the future to focus on what is happening in the present moment.
How To Clean Petrified Wood?
Here is a step-by-step guide to properly cleaning your stone and keeping its luster for years.
- To clean Petrified Wood, first, soak it in water mixed with soap for 15 minutes or more.
- Use a soft toothbrush and brush off all the stains gently.
- If stains resist regular washing, use a gentle dishwashing detergent or baby shampoo. A little baking soda can also help remove any stubborn grime and dirt.
- Use a microfiber cloth to rub the stone until it is dry and bring out its shine.
- Purify it with burning sage to remove any negativity absorbed, which might be detrimental to the environment or you.
- Store your stone in a cool and dry place after cleaning it.
- If you bury your stone in the Earth, it will draw out any negative energy and replace it with positive. Doing this once a month is recommended to keep your stone fully charged.
Petrified Wood should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or extreme heat as it will damage the stone.
FAQ
Which Gemstones Go Best With Petrified Wood?
Danburite is the most common stone used to accentuate the beauty of petrified Wood’s beauty. The two colors complement each other perfectly and make a bold statement.
Another great pair is red coral and petrified Wood. The warm tones of both stones make them perfect for any season—and they’re both durable enough to stand up to daily wear.
What Is Petrified Wood Good For?
There are several uses for this type of fossil. For starters, it makes an excellent addition to any garden. It’s also used as a landscaping feature or as an ornamental piece.
You can also use this type of Wood if you want to make furniture pieces or baskets because these items are durable and long-lasting.
What Are The Healing Properties Of Petrified Wood?
Petrified Wood is a healing stone because it helps balance and aligns the chakras (energy centers) in the body. It also can help you connect with your higher self or your inner voice so that you can hear guidance from above.
Is Petrified Wood Heat Treated?
In most cases, petrified Wood is not heat treated before being sold as jewelry or other decorative objects. There are some exceptions to this rule—some pieces may have been heated to produce a desired coloration or pattern on their surface—but these are rare cases.
