Rare fossilized wood found in Nghe An mountains

(Baonghean.vn) - Under the influence of lava and taking from several million to tens of millions of years, fossilized wood blocks are formed. It is not only used by collectors as home decoration but also deified whenbelieved to cure many diseases.

The fossilized wood block weighing nearly 50kg is being kept at Mr. Bui Kim Phi's house (Kim Son - Que Phong) as a stand.

At the wood carving workshop of Mr. Bui Kim Phi in Que Son commune, Que Phong, there is currently a rare fossilized wood block. The gray-white wood block has been carved into a block shape but still reveals some animal-shaped parts of the tree fibers that have turned to stone, shining like quartz. The fossilized wood block is 60cm long, 40cm wide, 20cm thick, and weighs over 40kg.

The 22-year-old craftsman from Dong Giao (My Hao – Hung Yen) wood carving craft said that the owner of the fossilized wood block is a local resident. He collected the fossilized wood block from Quy Hop (Nghe An) which is famous for its white stone and stone art products.

Although carefully crafted, the grain of a tree from millions of years ago is still visible.

According to the experience of artisans, encountering fossilized wood blocks is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, because it is extremely rare. “I just made an extra pedestal (stand) and delivered it to the customer,” Phi shared.

Usually when encountering fossilized wood blocks, precious wood collectors keep the wood block as close to its original appearance as possible. Collectors also choose experienced craftsmen to create the sculpture. After that, these petrified wood blocks are used by homeowners to decorate the living room to pray for luck and longevity.

Top view of million year old wood block.

According to petrified wood players, it is a miraculous product of “mother nature”. It brings luck and longevity to the owner. In addition, each type of fossil stone with different colors has the effect of curing certain diseases.

From a scientific perspective, petrified wood is created by volcanic activity. Lava erupted millions of years ago, burying the forest wood in a solution of SIO._2,and it also takes 4-12 million years for the wood blocks soaked in silica solution to become fossilized wood. Some experts believe that high pressure is also an important factor that causes the wood blocks to turn into fossilized stone after millions of years of soaking in silica solution.

Many curious people came to Phi's house to see and try lifting it.

Lang Son province and the Central Highlands are places where fossilized wood blocks have been recorded in Vietnam. Wood fossils are also found in many coal mines, the largest diameter can be up to 1.2m. Those who find petrified wood consider it a lucky chance and rarely sell it. A small fossil block is worth about 3 million VND. However, petrified wood collectors can spend tens of millions to own a beautiful petrified wood block. The phenomenon of fossilized wood appearing in the mountains of Nghe An is also considered rare.

The base of the fossilized wood block when cut flat.

However, from the perspective of geological experts, fossilized rock does not have the medicinal properties as rumored. Its main component is silicon, so it is difficult to turn it into a medicine. However, geologists also believe that petrified wood is a rare thing, worthy of being considered a priceless gift from Mother Nature.

Vi - Phuong