There are few things as versatile as natural elements.  One of my favorites is petrified wood. It is real, has a wonderful organic shape, varied and beautiful coloration, and a wonderful juxtaposition of ashen rustic edges with a polished lustrous sheen.  As such, it works beautifully in any setting from a rustic mountain cottage to an ultra modern city apartment as seen in Houzz, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Berhnardt, and Williams Sonoma in the rooms below.

          

Petrified wood is essentially wood turned into stone.  It is the fossilized remains of a tree. It occurs when the organic materials of the tree are replaced with minerals, typically silicate and quartz, while still maintaining the original structure of the stem tissue.  As such, it forms a three dimensional representation, as opposed to other types of fossils which are typically impressions.  This process of petrification occurs underground when wood is buried under sediment or volcanic ash such as when a fallen tree gets washed down a river under layers of mud, ash, and the like.  When the tree is sealed under this layer of muck, there exists a lack of oxygen, the necessary ingredient for decay, which inhibits aerobic decomposition. Mineral laden water flowing through the sediment or ash then deposits minerals in the tree’s cells.  The plant’s lignin and cellulose slowly decay, the resulting voids in the tree are filled with these minerals and a stone mold is created in their place.   These minerals crystalize.  This process takes place over millions of years.  An average piece you see here may be more than 20 million years old.  Imagine the the history.  Your coffee table could have been around during the time when it makes the ice age look like recent history! Various minerals generate different hues.  Cobalt, copper, and chromium give off a green blue color.  Manganese generates a pink color. Enjoy these amazing petrified wood forests.

 

 

 

 

Sliced and polished, they are a sight to behold. Some wonderful options for tables include…

Ones with the organic shape intact are perhaps my favorite.

A smaller version suitable for use as a drink rest.

With a different style base.

A mosaic of petrified wood which would be lovely in an industrial loft style apartment.

Another mosaic in a light color formed into a square which would also be lovely in the same loft style apartment.

A practical set of nesting tables.

Cut on a different angle this slab makes a unique coffee table.

For when you need a slim console table.

Here is a wonderful cube cut out of a petrified log for when you want a piece that really commands attention.

This could also be used as a stool

And don’t forget the outdoors…

If you want to start with a smaller piece you could try…

For a smaller financial investment some gorgeous bookends.

This bowl that has been carved out of a piece of Petrified wood from Madagascar available from and proceeds benefitting the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Or this tray…

Some coasters…

Or consider this beautiful wall covering from Ann Sacks?

It seems that even the Christie’s auction house has taken notice. Three specimens of petrified wood from the Triassic (249-200 Mya) supported on teak stands.