How did this wood become stone?

These unique pieces of petrified wood were created when ancient forests across Eastern Montana were buried in ash from supervolcanoes that erupted in the Yellowstone National Park region over time.  This stone is technically know as silicified or agatized wood because buried logs had their carbon atoms ‘replaced’ by silica atoms as rainwater infiltrated through the volcanic ash.

Each piece reflects a different origin and history.  The forests were buried by ash and became petrified.  Some still lay buried in fields and hillsides.  Many pieces were picked up and carried by rivers and streams to large gravel bars on the Yellowstone River, where they were hand-selected for their color, wood grain,  texture and beauty.

What kind of wood is it?  It is hard to say without a large cross-section.  Over 100 species of trees have been identified, telling the story of varied climates of this region in the past. 

The preparation of raw petrified wood from the river to the finished product takes at least 6 weeks of continuous tumbling and polishing.  Product availability is affected by the seasons as the river is covered in ice and snow during the winter.  We are continuously tumbling to ensure a substantial batch for the year; however, product availability is on a first come first serve basis.