Madagascar Petrified Wood: The colors in this specimen of fossil wood are truly magnificent as well as most unusual for this forest which is the oldest on earth, at 220 million years. Many specimens from this area are quiet bland and devoid of color. Most fossil wood from eh Malagasy Republic is thought to be Araucarioxylon which is a softer wood, similar to our modern day pine. This log has been squashed into a most interesting shape, maybe from being in water. The heart or center is easy to find marked with a couple of radiating crystal lines. The tan scalloped pattern near the center is typical of many “Maddies”. Finding a slice with this much color and crystal is difficult, making it a real collectors prize. Enjoy the rich red and sienna patches as well as the little surprises of black and violet.