How to determine age of petrified wood?
Most petrified wood does not show its age when it is first formed. Fossilized wood has a lot of natural color and variety, and the color can vary depending on the type of environment in which the tree was growing. The wood may also darken or change color as it naturally weathers over time. However, some types of petrified wood do show visible signs of its age. Silicified wood from various species of trees, including conifers and broadleaf trees, often becomes
How old is petrified wood?
Petrified wood can be formed by the natural process of mineralization which is the process in which minerals are deposited in the wood. These minerals may include silica, calcium, iron and potassium. Over time, the wood slowly turns into stone. Smaller pieces of petrified wood will appear as pebbles, while larger pieces can take the form of tree trunks or branches.
How to date petrified wood?
Fortunately, petrified wood is quite easy to date, and there are many different methods available. Generally, petrified wood can be dated using the same techniques used to date artifacts, such as pottery or pieces of stone. One of the most common methods for determining the age of petrified wood, and the easiest, is to look at it under a microscope. Using high-powered magnification, you can see the growth rings inside the wood, and count the number of times they appear. The number
How to find age of petrified wood?
The easiest way to determine the age of petrified wood is by counting growth rings. The larger the tree, the more visible the rings will be. Smaller trees or branches will have fewer growth rings, making them harder to see. When you find petrified wood, count the visible rings. If you have difficulty counting the rings, use a ruler to measure the width of each growth ring.
How to determine age of wood petrified?
Most petrified wood looks “aged” because as the wood became woody, it stained and darkened over time. However, not all petrified wood is created equal. While some petrified wood is simply the result of natural deposits, others are the result of deliberate burial processes, purposefully placing wood or plant material in the ground to harden it. Some of the wood is encrusted with minerals, which gives the wood a dark, speckled appearance.