Gemstone Beads, Round, Wood Lace Stone, Petrified Wood, 8mm

The creams and browns of these Natural, 8mm, Round Petrified Wood, Gemstone Beads, also known as Fossilized Wood, form a variety of patterns: bands, ripples, swirls, clusters and more.

The wood has the mineral composition of jasper, chalcedony and sometimes opal.

This is a hard stone that takes a good polish, suitable for every kind of jewelry design.

Petrified wood is a beautiful option for nature or cultural-inspired designs. Easily versatile in its use, it can be incorporated into contemporary or unique styles.

A great addition to summer and spring necklaces, bracelets or earrings for a down-to-earth style.

Petrified wood is often considered a sacred heirloom from the past, as it begins by encapsulating ancient plant material like the giant sequoias or other primeval trees. It is thought that ancient ancestors of Italy, the Etruscans, used petrified wood to create handmade religious objects. Contemporary followers of Etruscan traditions now think of petrified wood as a window to the past, using it to recollect ancient memories.

From the Latin word petro meaning "rock" or "stone", the name petrified wood translates to "wood turned to stone." During the process of petrification, plant debris is covered with sediment material. This sediment protects the debris from decaying under environmental stressors such as oxygen, rain-water, animals, bacteria, etc. Over time, the build-up of sedimentary material begins to harden around the plant material. Eventually, groundwater that is saturated in dissolved rock material flows through the sediment and the plant material is replaced with minerals such as silicate. This process creates a fossilization of the wooden material at the microscopic level and mineral replacement resulting in the appearance of wood, tree rings, and other recognizable wood features known as petrified wood. The mineralized replacement is most often a quartz chalcedony. Most commonly found forms of petrified wood are gray and/or brown in color. Although, rarer varieties are seen to preserve exotic minerals with a green or red hue. Petrified wood is frequently sourced from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada and China.

Many believe in the use of petrified wood in assisting with atrophied muscles and vulnerable skeletal structures by stabilizing the body’s defenses. It is thought to promote balance and calmness, allowing the body to heal in a relaxed, de-stressed environment. As a product of once living material, the gemstone is often viewed as a sacred representation of humankind's connection to the universe. Just as the stone undergoes a dramatic transformation, petrified wood encourages openness to personal transformations as well. Regardless of metaphysical beliefs, the stone can be a representation or reminder to embrace change and/or uncomfortable feelings on your journey to new beginnings.

This is a very special stone which has many uses. It is nothing but the fossilized remains of wood that have been converted into stone through the course of time. If you keep a piece of it, it does immense benefit to you by providing you the courage and strength to do all the good things. It is a great source of energy and motivation.

Petrified wood is durable enough (7 on the Mohs scale) to be cleaned using ultrasonic cleaners or steamers. Avoid the use of bleach and other harsh household cleaners and be sure to rinse your stones well to ensure all soapy residues are removed.

**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Beaded Creations® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.

NB* Natural gemstone or semi precious stones come from minerals. Due to their natural form, the stones may have tiny flaws. Cutting or polishing or different batches also makes every piece of gemstone vary in color and size.

• Diameter: 8mm
• Mohs Hardness: 6-1/2 to 7
• Hole: 0.8mm
• Strand Length: 38cm
• SOLD PER STRAND - APPROXIMATELY 47 BEADS PER STRAND