Learn About Petrified Wood
See how this fossil forms and learn the story behind the Rice Museum's world class petrified wood gallery
Petrified Wood on Loan from the Murphy Family, Photo by Jeff ScovilRice Museum of Rocks and Minerals
What is petrified wood?
Petrified wood is a fossil - just like a dinosaur bone! It forms when plant material is covered with ash or other oxygen-depriving materials and protected from decay. Then, ground water rich in dissolved minerals flows through the sediment, replacing the original plant.
Petrified Wood on Loan from the Murphy Family, Photo by Jeff ScovilRice Museum of Rocks and Minerals
What causes different colored petrified wood?
Various compounds or trace elements in the minerals that make up the petrified wood cause the different colors. For example, shades of red can be caused by iron oxides, while green can be due to iron, copper, cobalt, or chromium.
Petrified Wood Butterfly on Loan from the Murphy Family, Photo by Jeff ScovilRice Museum of Rocks and Minerals
Is petrified wood natural?
Petrified wood is naturally occurring, but many times pieces are cut, carved, or polished to show off their beauty.
Dennis and Mary Murphy
The Murphys' were avid rockhounds before developing an interest in petrified wood in the late 1960s.
Mary Murphy with Petrified LogRice Museum of Rocks and Minerals
Traveling the globe
The Murphys' interest in petrified wood eventually turned into a passion. Their search for new and exciting specimens extended beyond the northwest throughout the United States, Brazil, Indonesia, China, Germany, and Australia.
Starting a business
Dennis built his own saw that enabled him to cut petrified logs up to 6 feet in diameter. His lapidary skills were unequaled, and the Murphys' soon began to sell some of the wood that Dennis cut and polished, so they could reinvest in more logs.
Murphy Petrified Wood Gallery, Photo by Shawn LinehanRice Museum of Rocks and Minerals
Long-term loan to the museum
The Murphys' collection grew until specimens occupied every nook and cranny in their home, including under the bed. When the Rice Museum decided to convert a storage area into a gallery in 2003, the Murphys' were invited to display their collection.
White Oak Petrified Log on Loan from the Murphy Family, Photo by Shawn LinehanRice Museum of Rocks and Minerals
Over 450 Specimens on View
Including this white oak petrified log (center) weighing over 1200 pounds!
Touchable specimens
Included in the Murphy Gallery are specimens visitors can touch and pick up. The difference in weight between wood and petrified wood is markedly different. Petrified wood is made up of minerals - and therefore a rock - so is much heavier.
All pieces in the gallery are on loan from the Murphy Family.
