What Gives Petrified Wood Value?

You must be wondering what characteristics or features give petrified wood value. That's why you're here. The author operates a rock and mineral shop, has been a geologist for over 15 years, and gives pointers below:

SIZE: All else being the same a larger piece is worth more than a smaller one. That's easily first. 

TEXTURE: The  appeal of Petrified Wood is that it is fossilized wood and preserves the woods texture and structure. Visible wood textures like rings, straight lines, the appearance of knots or branches, and variations in color that indicate inner and outer areas of the tree trunk are all components of Petrified woods value. 

Some petrified wood looks like large pieces of chalcedony unrecognizable from Jasper from a totally different origin. These woods are sought after to polish because of their hardness and tendency to be non-porous. However in raw form they may be mistaken for Jasper from a hydrothermal origin. By weight all else being the same petrified wood has more value than Jasper so it's important you have a pet wood sample that's distinguishable from Jasper. 

Jasper tends to form when hydrothermal systems alter highly silica rich rock like sandstone or quartzite. Large beds of Jasper can form and its generally much more common than pet wood, although valuable in it's own right. 

COLOR: The best Petrified wood has a color scheme that is in line with its texture. For example a long straight piece with smooth color transitions is very desirable. A flat round piece with radiating sprays of color is equally valuable. Earthy tan-red hues are the most common

PEDIGREE: Most collectors like to know where a sample came from, particularly the formation name and general area. Be sure to note the origins of your petrified wood if you'd like it to have the most potential value. What is the story of the rock, how did it come to be and to be found? For example see the detailed description on the wood linked here: https://bjsspudranch.etsy.com/listing/1523610360/beautiful-raw-natural-petrified-wood 

WOODY APPEARANCE: In a general sense the sample needs to look like fossilized wood to have value. To the naked eye it should appear structured and textured as wood is. The sample should appear from some angles to be internally layered and from other angles to appear to be composed of elongated splinters or tabular pieces. Consider the example of a broken piece of wood with some visible rings as well as splinters and fibers. 

Nearly all the petrified wood shown below is available on BJs Spud Ranch store linked below along with other rocks and minerals. Head there to see what's in store for you!

https://bjsspudranch.etsy.com 

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