Opalized Petrified Wood
Hello the following is one specimen of a collection that was found on my parents property. They came with the property when it was purchased some 30 years ago, so unfortunately I don't have any kind of information regarding where they originated. it is aprox. 22" (55.8cm) in length and 13" (30.5cm) in width. Weighing aprox 71.5lbs (32.4Kilograms) Has nice clear tree structure and grain to it, drowsy quartz patches, and is 98% opalized. Best Guess is its a section of trunk possible from a Pine tree or maybe a Cedar, however honestly not sure. Thanks for your time
aprox. 22" (55.8cm) in length and 13" (30.5cm) in width. Weighing aprox 71.5lbs (32.4Kilograms)
Inherited
Yes
Petrified Wood Section
Unknown age
Unknown Excavation Source
Without geographic location and not viewing the example in-person; it is difficult to state the possible wood type and the mineralization that has occurred. Often petrified wood in North America is Sequoia or other conifer. The mineral replacement can take hundreds of thousands of years to millions of years based on the conditions of the preservation; the surrounding elements, the silica percentage in the water, and the type of tree.
At auction, most sections have been polished and evened for display. Prices for the professional carving and conditioning of the selections is a part of the attraction to higher sale results. Raw sections, such as this example, have lesser showing in collected auction price achieved records. A professionally conditioned section of this weight could have a FMV of $700 to $1200, or higher if it is determined to have well formed crystallization. Measurements: 22" (55.8cm) L x 13" (30.5cm) W; 71.5lbs (32.4Kilograms).
I do suggest an in-person valuation with a regional geology society, natural history museum, or University to determine the wood type, and if crystallization has occurred. A local library reference desk may be able to help you find free valuation resources in your area. An auction house may charge an assessment fee.
If you plan to sell; I strongly suggest reviewing the federal, tribal, and state laws surrounding natural resource and archeology protections, sale restrictions, and rules of ownership.
