3-3/4" Opalized Wood, Nevada
A front-polished portion of Petrified wood with opal veins throughout the natural grain. The back has been left with a rough texture. This specimen has been cut with a flat base for easy display.
Measurements: ~3-3/4" tall x 3-1/8" wide x 1-1/4" deep
Location: Virgin Valley, Bonanza Opal Mine, Nevada
Time Period: Miocene, ~14 MYO
Opalized Wood is a type of petrified wood that is composed of opal rather than chalcedony or other minerals. It almost always consists of common opal, but in rare instances, petrified wood composed of colorful, precious opal is formed. The ancient forests of Virgin Valley, Nevada were covered by volcanic ashfall over 14 million years ago. Over time, dissolved silica moved by abundant groundwater, filled the cavities of woody stumps, limbs & branches – forming brilliant opal deposits. Today this rugged and remote region of southeastern Nevada is prized for these beautiful and rare opalized specimens.