Preliminary identification
Photo reference
4 uploaded photos
Overview
This is a beautifully preserved cross-section slab of petrified wood, featuring a highly polished face that reveals the tree's original growth rings. At its center lies a spectacular pocket of translucent blue-grey chalcedony and agate, where mineral-rich waters crystallized inside the hollow heartwood millions of years ago.
Story
Over 20 million years ago, a massive tree was buried rapidly under volcanic ash. Deprived of oxygen, its organic wood fibers were slowly replaced atom-by-atom with silica, preserving the ancient growth rings forever in stone.
Maker / Origin
This piece was crafted by planet Earth over millions of years through the process of permineralization. It was later excavated, cut, and polished by a lapidary artisan to reveal the hidden gemstone interior locked inside the ancient timber.
Condition & Value
The polished face is in excellent condition with a high-gloss finish. Natural fractures are visible throughout the slab, which are typical for petrified wood and occurred during the millions of years of fossilization rather than from modern damage. The outer bark edge is well-preserved.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.