Fossil Wood Worry Stone Palm Stone Madagascar 40–50mm Genuine Petrified Wood | Authentic Polished Fossilised Tree Specimen with COA

Description

Natural Fossil Wood Worry Stone / Palm Stone from Madagascar (40–50mm)

This beautiful Fossil Wood Worry Stone / Palm Stone, measuring approximately 40–50mm, is a genuine specimen of petrified wood from Madagascar, known for its vibrant colours and superb polish. The photo shows the exact piece you will receive, and the scale cube = 1cm offers an accurate size guide. Each specimen is carefully shaped and polished to highlight its ancient organic structure — a piece of Earth’s prehistory transformed into stone over millions of years.

Geological Origin and Age

This fossilised wood originates from the Triassic Period, approximately 230 million years ago, when Madagascar was part of the prehistoric supercontinent Gondwana. During this time, lush forests flourished across volcanic plains. Over millions of years, trees were buried by sediment and volcanic ash, cutting off oxygen and halting decay. Silica-rich groundwater then permeated the wood, gradually replacing the organic material cell by cell with quartz and chalcedony, while preserving the original structure in extraordinary detail.

The result is petrified wood, also known scientifically as fossil wood, where the internal anatomy of the tree — including growth rings, cell walls, and bark textures — is retained in solid mineral form. Madagascar’s fossil wood is particularly famous for its rich hues of red, brown, yellow, black, and cream, created by trace elements such as iron, manganese, and copper during the mineralisation process.

Fossil Type and Morphology

This specimen represents a permineralised wood fossil, belonging to the fossil group Petrified Forest Flora. The wood’s original organic tissue has been completely replaced with silica (SiO₂), giving it the hardness and translucency typical of quartz while maintaining the external and internal morphology of the original tree.

Under magnification, growth rings and vascular structures are often visible, offering insight into the climate and growth patterns of Triassic forests. Some specimens display radial symmetry and intricate cellular detail, testifying to the exceptional preservation conditions unique to Madagascar’s fossil beds. The fine-grained polish brings out the intricate patterns formed by these mineralised tree tissues, transforming each stone into a miniature work of ancient natural art.

Geological Context and Locality

The fossil wood deposits of Ambilobe and Mahajanga in northwestern Madagascar are among the most celebrated in the world for their density and colour variation. These fossils were once part of vast forests that lined ancient river systems and floodplains. Over time, the region’s volcanic activity and sedimentary layering created ideal conditions for fossilisation.

The permineralisation process was gradual and occurred under low-oxygen, silica-saturated groundwater environments, ensuring the wood’s microscopic structure was preserved in near-perfect fidelity. These specimens are now found embedded within consolidated sedimentary deposits and are carefully extracted and hand-polished to a high finish without artificial dyes or enhancement.

Physical Properties and Appearance

The fossil wood from Madagascar exhibits a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7, equivalent to quartz, and a vitreous to waxy lustre. The polished surface of this 40–50mm palm stone reveals a dynamic interplay of colours — from russet reds and deep browns to amber, grey, and occasional hints of black or cream. Each piece displays a unique pattern, with swirls and concentric banding reflecting the original grain of the ancient tree.

The smooth, tactile form makes this specimen ideal as a worry stone or palm stone, fitting comfortably in the hand and showcasing its polished beauty when turned under the light. Its naturally grounding colours and organic origin evoke a connection to the Earth’s prehistoric forests and geological transformation.

Authenticity and Collectible Value

All our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity confirming their provenance and geological age. Each piece is individually selected for quality, polish, and natural character, ensuring that no two are ever the same.

This Fossil Wood Worry Stone from Madagascar is both a tangible link to Earth’s deep history and a timeless collectible — a perfect combination of ancient biology, geological artistry, and natural elegance, preserved for over 200 million years.