WASHINGTON
3 pieces
Miocene. Columbia Plateau Basalt Flow. This area has been one of the most historically prolific areas for attractive, fractureless, petrified logs in an interesting range of genera, often beautifully mineralized. Native Americans used fossil wood for knapping arrowheads. The early rockhounds had bountiful opportunities for collecting. Thousands of years of erosion laid the ancient trees bare.
1. Tree Fork. Vantage area. Elm. An unusually perfectly balanced pair of hearts in a full round slice. In Ancient Forests on page 237. 17 by 24 cm polished face; 13 mm thick; two pounds and three ounces. SOLD
2. Sunnyside Logjam. Sunnyside, Washington. It’s interesting to ponder how this happened. It’s likely that a pyroclastic mud flow came crashing through the area, crushing all before it. Four cuts, all of limb ends, all full round. The largest face appears to have divided into the smaller two and is compressed into the crosswise limb. Fascinating and unique piece. Clear coniferous tracheid ladders. Largest face is about 9 by 8 cm; overall will fit into a box 14 by 14 by 10 cm; five pounds and four ounces. $500
3. Vantage vicinity. Water cypress. Large, top grade, full round log with one natural end. China-like mineralization. Polished face is 11 by 8 cm; 16 cm long; six pounds. $500