Large silver and petrified wood pendant necklace, with inlaid garnet cabochon in bail.

Size: 2 3/4 x 17 in. 

#2341 #16 . 

Petrified wood is the name given to a special type of fossilized remains of terrestrial vegetation. Petrifaction is the result of a tree or tree-like plants having been replaced by stone via a mineralization process that often includes permineralization. The organic materials making up cell walls have been replicated with minerals (mostly silica in the form of opal, chalcedony, or quartz). In some instances, the original structure of the stem tissue may be partially retained. Unlike other plant fossils, which are typically impressions or compressions, petrified wood is a three-dimensional representation of the original organic material. The petrifaction process occurs underground, when wood becomes buried in water or volcanic ash. The presence of water reduces the availability of oxygen which inhibits aerobic decomposition by bacteria and fungi. Mineral-laden water flowing through the sediments may lead to permineralization, which occurs when minerals precipitate out of solution filling the interiors of cells and other empty spaces. During replacement, the plant's cell walls act as a template for mineralization. Whole forests of petrified wood have been discovered around the world, with some in India dating back over 180 million years. Petrified wood has limited use in jewelry or other ornamental objects, but in some cultures has been revered as a symbol of the power of the gods. Considered a semi-precious stone, the value depends on the rarity of the species, the size, the state of preservation, and its relative beauty, with many pieces bringing exorbitant sums.

Slight discoloration to silver. Overall good.