Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a cross-sectional round of petrified conifer wood originating from the famous Triassic deposits of Arizona. It features a mirror-polished face revealing vivid red, orange, and creamy chalcedony replacement, contrastingly backed by the raw, natural exterior bark and matrix.
Story
Over 200 million years ago, giant ancient trees fell into mud and mineral-rich volcanic ash. Silica replaced the organic wood cell by cell, creating solid quartz gemstones in the shape of ancient tree trunks.
Maker / Origin
Nature is the ultimate artisan here, though lapidary craftspeople harvested, sliced, and polished this specimen using specialized diamond saws and lapping wheels. The small brass plaque indicates it was prepared as a display souvenir or lapidary collection piece in the mid-to-late 20th century.
Condition & Value
The face exhibits an excellent polish with natural micro-fractures typical of permineralized timber. The edges retain natural bark texture, and the brass label remains intact. Good original condition. Valuation depends on physical dimensions, weight, and color saturation.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.