Petrified Wood

February 7th, 2008

Place of origin:
Hami, Xinjing Province; Beijing, Liaoning Province; Zhejiang Province

Mineral composition:
Elements resulting from silicification, ironization, and calcification

Muhuashi derives from wood buried in the earth a hundred million years ago that has silicified over time, a process that yields some good stones for the studio. Xylon in the wood has been replaced by silicon dioxide (SiO2), but the wood texture remains. Petrified wood is quite hard and most are brown or yellowish brown. They have a jade-like feel and were objects of appreciation as early as the Tang dynasty. There are two examples of petrified wood collected in the Ming dynasty in Zhejiang province.

Entry Filed under: Types