Want something truly unique and absolutely gorgeous in your petrified wood collection or fossil cabinet? This one is sure to be that, and a lot more! This is a colorful and fairly complete cross section slab from the trunk of a Rhexoxylon from Southern Africa that includes all of the important features of this fascinating plant including the central pith. It's one of the rarest of the fossil plants we've had the privilege of working with and this one represents a particularly nice and colorful example of the species. It also shows the growth structure of this unusual woody trunk very clearly. For years I thought the pith of these plants was hollow until I finally saw a really well preserved specimen that showed a carefully arranged, spongy textured region that I now believe must rot away quickly in most fallen trunks. By far one of the most pleasingly colored specimens I've ever polished, this is truly a collector show piece. We've lapped and polished it to a mirror perfect finish to coax every bit of that color and fossil detail from the stone to produce a true museum or showcase specimen. One of my most richly colored, cleanest, and most detailed slabs you're ever going to see! The back and sides of the specimen are rough and naturally weathered, just as they were found. There is enough of the trunk on the edge to see the external texture of the plant which is quite fascinating as well. We rarely come across this material and may never be able to acquire it again so don't miss the chance of adding one of these unique and amazing slices to your petrified wood collection!
This unusual looking specimen is a Rhexoxylon. It was thought to be a vine like plant with a woody trunk. It's very old (from the Molteno Formation -- Mid-Late Triassic). This one has very nice cell structure in the unusual formations that make up the pattern within the trunk cross section. The large hollow center is characteristic of the species. These fossils are particularly rare and good solid agatized ones like this are a special treat for petrified wood collectors. The wood has a very high silica content so we're able to coax a really nice polish out of the specimen.
This is one of the few complete rounds I was able to obtain from an importer earlier this year. I hand picked the best specimens from the lot and then prepared them in my shop to produce true collector grade specimens. If the timeless mystery of this piece isn't enough for you, then I'm certain the simple, natural, gemmy beauty of it will be. The colors are high contrast and the wood grain is unique to this exotic species.
This round is cut from the center of a very solid log. It's really a nice piece, but what else would you expect from a business named "Sticks-in-Stones"?! We've applied all of our considerable lapidary skills to bring out a mirror finish and produce a specimen worthy of display in your own collection.
This nice large piece measures about 8 1/8" x 5 1/2" across the polished face and is a maximum of about 2 3/8" thick on the longest edge. Weight is 1.74 lbs. Stands sold separately.
Sticks-in-Stones Lapidary is happily providing UPS & USPS shipping to greatly reduce shipping charges on large rock orders. We will combine all of your purchases from our shop to bring you the greatest possible value in fine Lapidary & stone collectibles!