Permineralized Sparkling Fossil Wood from Germany (11)

Wood is composed mostly of holocellulose (cellulose and hemicellulose, the cellulose being what gives wood its strength) and lignin. Wood usually rapidly decomposes beginning with the holocellulose. However, when wood dies and is quickly entombed in mud, especially mud from volcanic ash, it leads to an anaerobic environment, meaning there is no oxygen for decomposers to be be able to break it down.
Generally, the wood then mineralizes, and the mineralized wood turns to stone, producing the petrified wood we usually see. However, wood has been recovered from as far back as the Paeleozoic era that had not completely petrified and still had part of its original organic makeup.
This is the case with the Permineralized wood from Germany. It has resulted in an extraordinarily detailed preservation, and in fact, some pieces contain sections of “mummified wood” which is still soft enough that it will actually burn! The sparkles are due to druzy quartz that encrusts much of the wood.
This Permineralized wood was collected from a coal mine deposit in eastern Germany and is roughly 35 million years old. (The Brown Coal Open Pit in Zwenkau, Leipzig, Germany.) Unfortunately, this mine was flooded in 2021, and even if it were still intact (as it is not fully mineralized and still succeptable to the elements) it is now completely inaccessible, meaning no more will be able to be mined.

Petrified wood is a grounding, stabilizing source of patient wisdom, and although this permineralized wood certainly has those aspects, it is "mummified" wood, encased in a quartz druzy that enhances and amplifies its abilities, making this a particularly magical fossil! Its energy is one that really has to be experienced for oneself!

Photography

Although we always strive to provide clear, accurate images of our crystals and other products, we photograph under professional lighting, which is meant to mimic sunlight. If you get your crystal and think it looks a little different under low or artificial light, try checking it out again in sunlight!

Our crystals are one-of-a-kind art, created by nature.

No two pieces are the same, and there is no such thing as "perfection" in nature.

When it comes to our hand-carved items, remember that artists work with and around imperfections, druzy pockets, and other natural variations to bring each carving out of a piece of natural stone.

We consider these imperfections to be one of the most wonderful parts of crystal collecting, and we invite you to embrace each carving's uniqueness!

We will always try to portray each piece honestly, so be sure to look closely at our images and videos to ensure you know what to expect.

Metaphysical Information

Metaphysical information mentioned anywhere by The Triceratory should not be considered medical advice and is not meant to be used in place of needed medical treatment.