Petrified Rainbow Wood 13-14mm from Arizona rondelle beads (ETB00259)

Petrified Rainbow Wood

Petrified Wood was once part of a tree. Millions of years ago the forests covering Northern Arizona were buried under a sea of mud, sand, and volcanic ash. Silicate replaced the wood fibers and pressure formed the rock.

The colors found in Arizona Petrified Wood are the result of various elements present in either the original wood or the silicate.

Red and Orange are caused by iron. Yellow and Brown are caused by iron and uranium. Green is caused by iron, copper, cobalt, chromium, uranium, and nickel. Blue is caused by copper, manganese, cobalt, and chromium. Violet and Purple are caused by manganese and iron. Black is caused by manganese, carbon, and iron. White and Gray are caused by silicon dioxide.

Scientists believe that Arizona Rainbow Petrified Wood is about fifty to two hundred million years old.

Dimensions of beads:

Size: 13 x 6.5 - 14 x 8 mm
- this is only an approximate, the size varies slightly.

Length: 16 inches

Finishing: Polished