The Complete Guide to Petrified Wood: Madagascar, Pacific Northwest & Beyond
Growing up in rural Oregon, I’ve been surrounded by petrified wood my entire life. The Pacific Northwest—where ancient forests once stood and where specimens are still discovered today—has given me a lifelong fascination with these remarkable natural treasures. Petrified wood isn’t just a product I sell; it’s a passion that runs deep in my roots.
At Putnam Valley Trading Co., I’m honored to share petrified wood from around the world with collectors and home decorators alike. Each piece tells a story of transformation, preservation, and the incredible artistry of natural processes.
Let me share what makes petrified wood so extraordinary—and why specimens from different regions of the world each have their own unique character.
What Exactly is Petrified Wood?
Petrified wood is fossilized wood where the organic material has been replaced by minerals—primarily silica (quartz), but also including calcite, pyrite, and opal. Through a remarkable geological process called permineralization, ancient wood is transformed into stone while often preserving the original structure, including growth rings, bark texture, and even cellular details.
The word “petrified” comes from the Greek word petro, meaning “rock” or “stone.” And that’s exactly what happens: wood literally turns to stone.
What makes this transformation so special? Unlike ordinary fossilization where organic material simply decays and leaves an impression, petrification actually replaces the wood’s structure molecule by molecule with minerals. The result is a stone replica that captures every detail of the original tree.
How Does Wood Become Stone?
The petrification process requires very specific conditions:
Rapid Burial: Trees must be quickly buried by sediment—volcanic ash, mud, or sand—before they can decay. This cuts off oxygen and slows decomposition.
Mineral-Rich Water: Groundwater carrying dissolved minerals (primarily silica) must flow through the buried wood.
Mineral Replacement: The minerals gradually infiltrate the wood’s cellular structure, replacing the organic material cell by cell while maintaining the wood’s original form.
Crystallization: Over vast stretches of time, these minerals crystallize, transforming the wood into stone while preserving intricate details like growth rings and bark patterns.
Geological Uplift: Eventually, erosion and geological forces expose these fossilized trees, allowing us to discover and appreciate them today.
The colors you see in petrified wood—vibrant reds, deep browns, golden yellows, brilliant oranges, and even blues and greens—come from different trace minerals present during formation. Iron oxides create reds and oranges, manganese produces blacks and purples, and copper can create greens and blues.
Petrified Wood from Around the World
One of the most fascinating aspects of petrified wood is how specimens from different regions have distinctly different characteristics. Let me share some of the most remarkable sources:
Madagascar Petrified Wood: The Crown Jewel
Madagascar produces some of the finest petrified wood in the world—and it’s the primary source for our exceptional Reserve Collection spheres.
What Makes Madagascar Petrified Wood Special:
· Extraordinary Color Range: Madagascar specimens display stunning combinations of deep reds, rich browns, golden ambers, and occasional blues and greens
· Exceptional Clarity: The silica replacement is often so complete that the wood structure is preserved in remarkable detail
· Dense Crystallization: High-quality Madagascar petrified wood has excellent density and takes a beautiful polish
· Dramatic Patterns: Growth rings, knots, and wood grain create striking visual interest
· Large Specimens: Madagascar yields substantial pieces perfect for spheres, slabs, and statement pieces
Our Reserve Collection spheres are almost exclusively sourced from Madagascar. Through exceptional source relationships I’ve built over the years, I’m able to offer museum-quality Madagascar petrified wood spheres at below-market prices. Each Reserve sphere is hand-selected for superior color, pattern, and flawless polish—representing the top tier of what Madagascar produces. Whether you’re a serious collector or looking for a stunning centerpiece, these spheres offer extraordinary value: premium quality at accessible prices.
Pacific Northwest Petrified Wood: My Personal Favorite
Having grown up in Oregon, Pacific Northwest petrified wood holds a special place in my heart. This region—particularly Oregon and Washington—has a rich geological history that produced remarkable petrified forests.
Characteristics of Pacific Northwest Petrified Wood:
· Earthy, Natural Tones: Typically features warm browns, tans, creams, and occasional reds
· Visible Wood Structure: Often preserves bark, growth rings, and branch structures beautifully
· Variety of Tree Species: Represents ancient conifers and hardwoods that once covered the region
· Historical Significance: Connected to the volcanic activity that shaped the Pacific Northwest landscape
· Local Heritage: Collecting petrified wood is a cherished tradition in Oregon and Washington
For me, Pacific Northwest petrified wood represents home. Every piece connects me to the landscapes I grew up exploring and the natural beauty that inspired my lifelong passion for geological treasures.
Arizona Petrified Wood: America’s Treasure
Arizona petrified wood deserves special recognition—it’s among the most spectacular and sought-after in the world. The famous Petrified Forest National Park in northeastern Arizona showcases one of the largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood on Earth.
What Makes Arizona Petrified Wood Exceptional:
· Brilliant Color Palette: Arizona specimens are renowned for their vivid reds, purples, yellows, oranges, and even rainbow combinations—some of the most colorful petrified wood found anywhere
· Ancient Araucaria Trees: Most Arizona petrified wood comes from Araucarioxylon arizonicum, an extinct conifer species that grew during the Late Triassic period
· Exceptional Preservation: The arid climate and unique geological conditions created near-perfect fossilization
· Crystal Formations: Some specimens contain quartz crystals, amethyst, or agate formations within the wood structure
· Historical Significance: Arizona petrified wood has been collected and admired for over a century
Petrified Forest National Park is a bucket-list destination for any petrified wood enthusiast. The park protects one of the world’s largest and most spectacular deposits, with entire fossilized logs scattered across the landscape in their natural setting. Walking among these ancient giants—some over 200 feet in their original length—is an awe-inspiring experience.
Personal note: Visiting all of the United States national parks is a personal goal of mine, and Petrified Forest National Park holds special significance. For someone with a lifelong passion for petrified wood, standing among those ancient fossilized forests would be a dream come true. If you share this passion, I highly recommend adding it to your travel list.
Arizona petrified wood is highly prized by collectors worldwide, and authentic specimens command premium prices due to their exceptional quality and the park’s protection of in-situ deposits.
Indonesian Petrified Wood: Unique Character
Indonesia produces distinctive petrified wood with its own personality:
Indonesian Petrified Wood Characteristics:
· Rich, Dark Tones: Often features deep browns, blacks, and dark reds
· Bold Patterns: Striking contrast between wood grain and mineral replacement
· Excellent for Functional Art: Indonesian petrified wood is often crafted into bowls, sinks, and furniture
· Substantial Size: Indonesia yields large specimens suitable for dramatic statement pieces
· Tropical Origin: Represents ancient tropical forests, giving it a different character than temperate specimens
Indonesian petrified wood is particularly popular for home accents and functional art pieces because of its dramatic appearance and substantial size.
Other Notable Sources Around the World
Argentina: Known for large specimens with beautiful colors, particularly Araucaria (monkey puzzle tree) petrified wood.
Australia: Produces unique specimens, some with opal replacement creating stunning iridescent effects.
Brazil: Yields colorful specimens, sometimes with agate or crystal formations within the wood structure.
Egypt: Ancient petrified wood from palm trees, historically significant and collectible.
Each region’s unique geological conditions—the types of minerals present, the volcanic activity, the water chemistry—create petrified wood with distinctive colors, patterns, and characteristics.
Types of Petrified Wood Products We Offer
At Putnam Valley Trading Co., I’ve curated a diverse collection of petrified wood in various forms to suit different tastes and purposes:
Reserve Petrified Wood Spheres (Our Specialty!)
These are the crown jewels of our collection. Almost exclusively sourced from Madagascar, our Reserve spheres represent museum-quality specimens at exceptional prices. Each sphere is:
· Hand-selected for superior color and pattern
· Expertly polished to a flawless finish
· Substantial in size and weight
· One-of-a-kind (no two are identical)
· Priced below market due to our exceptional source relationships
Perfect for: Serious collectors, meditation practices, stunning display pieces, meaningful gifts
Why spheres? The spherical form allows you to appreciate the petrified wood’s patterns from every angle. As you rotate a sphere, new details emerge—growth rings spiral around, colors shift, and the wood’s ancient structure reveals itself in three dimensions.
Petrified Wood Slabs
Polished slabs showcase petrified wood’s natural beauty in a format perfect for:
· Wall art and display
· Coasters and trivets (functional beauty)
· Collector specimens showing cross-sections
· Educational pieces demonstrating wood structure
Slabs reveal the full cross-section of the ancient tree, making growth rings and wood grain patterns especially visible.
Petrified Wood Eggs
Eggs offer a smooth, tactile form that’s:
· Comfortable to hold during meditation
· Beautiful on display stands
· Affordable entry point for new collectors
· Excellent gifts
The egg shape concentrates the petrified wood’s patterns into an elegant, compact form.
Petrified Wood Accents
Our accent pieces include bowls, bookends, decorative objects, and functional art carved from petrified wood. These pieces:
· Bring ancient beauty into everyday life
· Serve as conversation starters
· Combine utility with natural artistry
· Make unique home decor statements
Indonesian petrified wood is particularly popular for larger accent pieces due to its substantial size and dramatic coloring.
How to Display Petrified Wood
Petrified wood deserves to be showcased where its beauty can be fully appreciated:
Lighting is Key: Position pieces where natural light or accent lighting can highlight colors and patterns. Backlighting can be especially dramatic with translucent specimens.
Stands and Pedestals: Display spheres on quality stands that elevate them to eye level. Slabs look stunning on easel stands or mounted on walls.
Grouping: Create collections of different sizes, colors, or origins for visual interest.
Rotation: Periodically rotate spheres and eggs to reveal different patterns and keep your display fresh.
Context: Pair petrified wood with other natural elements—crystals, minerals, fossils—or let a spectacular piece stand alone as a focal point.
Touch-Friendly Placement: Unlike delicate minerals, petrified wood is durable enough to be handled. Place pieces where you can pick them up and appreciate their weight and texture.
Caring for Your Petrified Wood
Petrified wood is remarkably durable—it’s stone, after all—but proper care keeps it looking its best:
Regular Dusting: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Petrified wood doesn’t require special treatment.
Gentle Cleaning: If needed, wash with warm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: No need for chemical cleaners. Simple water is sufficient.
Safe Handling: While durable, petrified wood can chip if dropped on hard surfaces. Handle with reasonable care.
Sunlight: Unlike some minerals, petrified wood won’t fade in sunlight. Display it anywhere you like.
Polished vs. Rough: Polished pieces maintain their shine indefinitely. Rough specimens may benefit from occasional mineral oil to enhance colors (optional).
Why Collectors Love Petrified Wood
Petrified wood appeals to collectors for many compelling reasons:
Tangible History: You’re holding a piece of an ancient forest, transformed through remarkable natural processes.
Unique Beauty: No two pieces are identical. Each specimen is a one-of-a-kind work of natural art.
Scientific Wonder: The preservation of cellular detail and wood structure is genuinely remarkable.
Aesthetic Versatility: Petrified wood complements any decor style, from rustic to modern.
Investment Value: High-quality specimens, particularly from premier sources like Madagascar and Arizona, appreciate over time.
Connection to Nature: Petrified wood bridges the organic world of living trees with the mineral world of stone.
Meditation and Grounding: Many people find petrified wood’s ancient energy calming and centering.
Perfect For Every Space and Purpose
Home Decorators: Petrified wood adds organic warmth and natural beauty to any room. A Madagascar sphere on a coffee table or bookshelf becomes an instant conversation piece.
Collectors: From casual enthusiasts to serious collectors, petrified wood offers endless variety in colors, patterns, sources, and forms.
Gift Givers: A piece of petrified wood is a meaningful, lasting gift that connects the recipient to Earth’s ancient history.
Meditation Practitioners: The grounding energy of petrified wood—wood transformed to stone—is valued in meditation and mindfulness practices.
Nature Enthusiasts: If you love geology, paleontology, or natural history, petrified wood represents the perfect intersection of all three.
Office and Workspace: A petrified wood sphere or slab on your desk provides a tactile, visual reminder of nature’s patience and transformative power.
Bringing Ancient Forests Into Your Home
Petrified wood represents one of nature’s most remarkable transformations. Ancient trees, buried and transformed through geological processes, emerge as stunning stone specimens that preserve the memory of forests long gone.
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant colors of Madagascar, the earthy tones of Pacific Northwest specimens, the brilliant hues of Arizona petrified wood, or the bold character of Indonesian pieces, each specimen connects you to Earth’s deep history and the patient artistry of natural transformation.
At Putnam Valley Trading Co., I’m honored to share my lifelong passion for petrified wood with you. From my Oregon roots to the worldwide specimens I carefully curate, every piece is selected with an eye for quality, beauty, and that special something that makes a specimen truly extraordinary.
Ready to explore our collection? Discover our Reserve Madagascar Petrified Wood Spheres, browse our slabs and eggs, or find the perfect petrified wood accent for your space.