2.25" Petrified "Sierra Spectrum" Wood Section - California

Petrified Sierra Spectrum Wood Section - California #283802

This is a rare and unique find! This is known as Sierra spectrum wood, a gorgeous multicolored formation of petrified wood found exclusively in the High Sierras of California. They are believed to be incense-cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) deposited by debris flow after a magmatic event, brought to the High Sierras' elevation by uplift. The fantastic swirls of reds, greens, and golds are caused by iron and copper impurities during petrification.

This material was collected by artist and lapidarist Thaleia Georgiades.

What Is Petrified Wood

Petrified wood is the name given to wood that has been turned into stone (fossilized) through the process of permineralization. In this process, all of the organic matter becomes replaced by minerals, while much of the original structure, such as tree rings, is retained. For this to happen, the wood needs to be buried in an environment low in oxygen to prevent decomposition and with flowing, mineral-laden water, so minerals may replace structures. The coloration is caused by various minerals that present in that water during fossilization. For example, red colors are due to iron compounds, greens due to copper, and so on.