Indonesia has experienced millions of years of intermittent volcanic activity. In fact there are 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia today.
Millions of years ago palm tree forest were buried under several hundred yards of ash. Over the course of time the wood was replaced by microcrystalline quartz. During the replacement process by silica carried in underground waters, even the most minute details of the woody structure was preserved.
The Indonesian Petrified Palm Wood is known for its root balls being perserved and its "root" and amazing "flame" patterns.
This Petrified Wood is from the Oligocene Epoch, about 20 to 40 million years ago.
This is actually a pseudomorph, chalcedony gemstone replacing the wood. Therefore Petrified Palm Wood is actually a member of the chalcedony family with a hardness of 6.5 to 7.
The designer cabochons are tan or tan and black, and have beautiful polka dot patterns.
The largest single deposit of Petrified Wood is in Indonesia.
Petrified Wood in general is believed to be a stone of patience, and slow and steady growth. Petrified Wood is said to help one overcome limiting emotional patterns handed down through one's ancestors.