ORE FEATURES
A biweekly publication of Ozark Rock Exchange
VOL 1: Issue 25, October 7, 2000
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Main: >> Start Page >> ORE Features Archives >> 2000 >> Petrified Wood | |
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ORE’S FEATURED GEMSTONE: Petrified Wood by Stephanie Pflumm I have to be honest, I didn’t even think about writing this article until stopping in the Petrified Forest in Arizona. I was so struck by the varied beauty of these ancient Trees frozen by cataclysmic forces and the pressures of time, that I had to learn more. As it turns out, there are dozens of Petrified Forests around the world, and several of them are found in North American. California, the Pacific Northwest, Texas, Louisiana and Arizona all have ancient pines, deciduous and various primal plant species that were frozen by catastrophic geological events. In California a prehistoric grove of Redwoods was blown down by the titanic blast of a furious volcano. In the rain of ash, lava and mineral rich waters that followed, the trees were literally buried alive. With their oxygen cut off the trees would not decay. Instead the silica and mineral molecules slowly replaced the wood molecules until colorful Jaspers, Agates, Quartz, Chalcedony and sometimes even Opal were created. Arizona’s Petrified Forest began as tall trees called Araucarioxylon, Woodworthia and Schilderiafell. These deciduous giants were washed into the flood plains that were ancient Arizona. There, they became buried in silt, mud and volcanic ash from nearby volcanos (you can still see the lava fields East of the forest). The waters in the flood plains contained the magical silica and a variety of minerals. Reptiles, gigantic amphibians and a variety of fish also inhabited the area at the same time (Triassic Period). Eventually the plain sunk in, taking everything under with it. In addition to the tree molecules being taken over by the silica and minerals, the animal life was subjected to the same transformation and pressures. A couple hundred million years later, the land was lifted up above sea level. This traumatic upheaval brought thousands of animal and tree fossils closer to the surface, but the stress cracked the great logs that had been frozen in tact. In more recent (geological) time, erosion has patiently uncovered one of North America’s richest fossil collections. Which includes an unusual fish fossil nicknamed Gertie discovered in 1984. Paleontologists are still attempting to identify her relatives. Petrified forests can be found on almost every continent. In England, one location known as the Fossil Forest, has been so decimated by collectors, that there remains only one trunk, sadly named “Last Tree”. As I mentioned above, Petrified Wood’s final appearance is almost as varied as the mineral kingdom itself. Iron introduces orange, red, or yellow; Manganese brings blue, pink, purple; organic matter and clays will introduce variations of color and pattern. The final specimen may retain the look and feel of its original form, or may not resemble anything like a tree. Or, perhaps it almost looks like a tree, but not any earthly tree you've seen before. Petrified Wood was first used in protective amulets to frighten away evil spirits and mischievous wee folk. Today many use this and other fossils to aid in past life meditation and regression. You may want to carry one as protection against drowning. This gemstone will also prolong life and increase your enjoyment of it. It aids in your evolution and transformation to your higher good. During a crisis, a piece of Petrified Wood will give you strength and support, providing insight into cause and effect. You will remember lessons, avoiding repetitive mistakes. Petrified Wood will help you forget petty worries, so that no thought or action is useless. Healers have used Petrified Wood on atrophied limbs and to relieve paralysis. It can help align your spine or give you more control over bodily functions. Use the gem to strengthen your spiritual and physical backbone. Pictures of Petrified Wood --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SUBSCRIBER’S SPECIAL: FREE PETRIFIED WOOD! --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- SKY NOTES --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- THE ROAD WEST Here are moments of inspiration, awe and wonder that were discovered along the interstate and at the gathering. MORNING DRIVE --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- NEW STONES! --+--+--+-- MOBILE ORE STORE UPDATE October 27 - 29 --+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+-- If you have a special announcement for the next issue of ORE FEATURES, please send it to stephanie@ozarkrockexchange.com for consideration. |
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