Petrified Conifer, longitudinal wood slice from Arizona, Araucaria, petrified wood

A petrified conifer longitudinal section from Arizona, paleobotanically identified as Araucaria. The cross-sectional view reveals the stem anatomy of a Triassic tree over its full length.

Longitudinal sections of petrified conifers show the growth structure along the stem axis. Growth rings do not appear as circles but as parallel bands, and vascular bundles run vertically.

Petrified wood from Arizona originates from the Triassic Chinle Formation, approximately 225 million years ago. Groundwater containing silica molecularly replaced the organic matter cell by cell with quartz and agate. The anatomical structure is preserved exactly as it was.

The Araucaria identification increases the scientific value beyond generic petrified wood. Noteworthy is the high preservation of the medullary rays and vascular bundles over the full length.

A paleontological collector's item of architectural gallery dimensions with documented Triassic provenance.