3D model of a silicified fossil tree fern trunk (NHMW-GEO-2024/0188/11589)

<p>Silicified wood forms when plants absorb silica-rich groundwater that fills their cells with silica glass or quartz. This mineralization preserves the plant, turning it to stone soon after death or even while alive.&nbsp;One side has been sliced with a rock saw, and the internal structure of the trunk can be seen. These features are typical of tree ferns, like <i>Psaronius </i>of the late Carboniferous to early Permian.</p><p>This object is part of the historical ‘Ettingshausen collection’, which is on permanent loan from the Institute of Biology, University of Graz.</p>