Sycamore Petrified Wood Slice, Wanapum Basalt Formation, Miocene Saddle Mountain WA USA | Authentic Fossil + COA

Description

Sycamore Fossil Petrified Wood Slice – Wanapum Basalt Formation, Miocene Epoch, Saddle Mountain Area, Grant County, Washington, USA

This beautifully polished slice of fossilised sycamore wood was preserved in the Wanapum Basalt Formation, part of the Columbia River Basalt Group, and collected from the Saddle Mountain Area in Grant County, Washington. Dating to the Middle Miocene Epoch (~15–13 million years ago), this specimen showcases the intricate structure of ancient Platanus (sycamore) trees once buried by volcanic lava flows.

Fossil Type & Classification:

• Type: Petrified Wood (Silicified Cross-Section)
• Likely Species: Platanus sp. (Sycamore)
• Phylum: Tracheophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
• Order: Proteales
• Family: Platanaceae
• Genus: Platanus
• Identified by: Comparative analysis with known Platanus cell structures in Saddle Mountain petrified wood studies

Geological & Stratigraphic Details:

• Location: Saddle Mountain Area, Grant County, Washington, USA
• Formation: Wanapum Basalt Formation (Columbia River Basalt Group)
• Epoch: Middle Miocene, Neogene Period
• Age: ~15–13 million years ago
• Depositional Environment: Silica-rich groundwater percolating through lava flows fossilised buried wood through permineralisation, preserving cell structures in exquisite detail
• Biozone: Saddle Mountain fossil wood assemblage (no formal biozone designated)

Morphology & Features:

• Distinctive sycamore grain structure with radial and tangential bands visible in polished surface
• High-resolution preservation of growth rings and ray cell structures under magnification
• Silicified mineral replacement with natural coloration ranging from brown and beige to reddish-orange hues
• Flat polished surface ideal for display, often with natural edge or bark texture retained

Notable: Platanus (sycamore) is a hardwood tree genus that has existed for over 100 million years. In the Miocene, vast floodplain forests in the Pacific Northwest were rapidly buried by massive lava flows, leading to the exceptional preservation of fossilised wood. Saddle Mountain is among the most famous locations for North American petrified wood and is prized for its quality, polishability, and range of species.

Specimen Details:

• Origin: Saddle Mountain, Grant County, Washington, USA
• Fossil Type: Petrified Wood Slice (Sycamore)
• Geological Epoch: Middle Miocene
• Formation: Wanapum Basalt, Columbia River Basalt Group
• Size Reference: Scale cube = 1cm (see photo for full dimensions)
• Note: You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photo

Authenticity & Quality: This fossil is 100% genuine and was polished to highlight the wood grain while preserving the natural features. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. No dyes or artificial enhancements have been applied.

Why Choose This Fossil? Perfect for:

• Fossil wood and plant collectors
• Palaeobotanical study and teaching
• Natural home décor and fossil displays
• Thoughtful scientific gifts

Shipping & Packaging: Each fossil is packed with care using sustainable materials and tracked shipping. We take pride in ensuring your specimen arrives safely and securely.

Bring home a piece of Earth’s volcanic past with this authentic sycamore petrified wood fossil slice from the Miocene forests of Saddle Mountain.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.