AUGUST 2026 Tidbits from the Museum Series

Petrified wood is a gift of nature. When plant tissues are buried in wet sediment and impregnated with dissolved minerals high in silica preservation occures.

 In our sample above, the silica is derived mainly from volcanic ash. Over time the wood was replaced cell by cell retaining it’s growth rings and cellular pores. Our specimen has the distinct attribute of preserved bark. An extremely unusual characteristic.

Chris Novak, President RRHS