Hunting for petrified wood is a fun adventure, but sometimes people make mistakes without even knowing. It’s important to learn the right ways to search so the adventure stays fun and safe. 

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. And after finding petrified wood, there are smart ways to take care of it that everyone should know.

Things You Should Avoid When Looking for Petrified Wood

Petrified wood is wood that has turned into stone over millions of years as minerals replaced the wood’s original material. Searching for it is a cool adventure, but there are things to keep in mind to make sure you do things right.

Ignoring Local Regulations

One big mistake people make when looking for petrified wood is not checking the rules of the place they’re exploring.

Places like national parks have strict rules against taking petrified wood, and even Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands have their own set of guidelines you need to follow.

Walking onto someone’s property without asking to search for petrified wood can also get you into trouble. It’s important to get permission from the owner first, so you respect their rights and avoid any legal problems.

Ignoring these rules can ruin the fun of searching for petrified wood. Plus, knowing and following the rules helps protect these cool natural treasures for everyone to enjoy.

Leaving Behind Trash or Litter

Leaving trash behind while searching for petrified wood is a big mistake that hurts the environment. When you go out, it’s important to bring back everything you brought in, so the place stays clean and beautiful for others.

Forgetting to follow “Leave No Trace” principles means you’re not just looking for treasures; you’re also leaving behind problems. Packing out all trash and being mindful of your impact helps keep natural areas safe and enjoyable.

By taking care of the places where petrified wood is found, you show respect for nature and others who love these adventures. Remember, the goal is to leave the area better than you found it, ensuring it remains a great spot for future treasure hunters.

Not Wearing Proper Safety Gear

One big mistake people make when looking for petrified wood is not wearing the right safety gear. Gloves and sturdy boots are important because they protect you from sharp edges and rough places where you might walk.

Without the proper rockhounding gear, you could get hurt by something sharp or trip on uneven ground. It’s much better to be safe and wear the right shoes and gloves so you can enjoy your adventure without getting injured.

Remember, the goal is to have fun and find cool pieces of petrified wood, not to end the day with cuts or bruises. Wearing the right safety gear means you’re prepared for whatever the search brings your way.

Ignoring the Weather and Environmental Conditions

Going out to look for petrified wood without checking the weather first is a big mistake. Extreme weather or sudden changes can make your search not only hard but also dangerous, especially in places far from help. 

If you’re not ready for the weather or the kind of ground you’ll be walking on, things can get tough. Wet, slippery trails or hot, sun-exposed fields can turn an adventure into a challenge you might not want to face.

It’s smart to be prepared for whatever the weather and terrain might throw at you. That way, you can focus on the fun of finding petrified wood without worrying about getting stuck in a bad situation.

Failing to Bring Necessary Supplies

One big mistake when looking for petrified wood is not bringing enough water or food. If you run out, you could get really thirsty or hungry, which isn’t fun when you’re far from home. 

Another mistake is forgetting things like a map or compass, which help you not get lost. And speaking of tools, not bringing the right tools for rockhounding, like a hammer and a chisel, can make it tough to collect any petrified wood you find.

Always pack carefully for your adventure, making sure you have everything you need. That way, you can stay safe and enjoy your time hunting for petrified wood without any worries.

Damaging Specimens During Removal

When people look for petrified wood, one big mistake is using the wrong tools or methods to take it out. This can hurt the petrified wood, making it less cool to look at and study.

Sometimes, trying to get the petrified wood out without being careful can also damage the area around it. This ruins the spot for other people who might want to explore and find their own treasures.

It’s better to learn the right way to remove petrified wood so it and the place it came from stay in good shape. That way, everyone can enjoy searching for and finding petrified wood without causing harm.

Neglecting to Prepare for Wildlife Encounters

One big mistake people make while looking for petrified wood is not thinking about the wildlife they might run into. There could be snakes, various insects, or even bears in the area, which can be dangerous.

It’s super important to know what kinds of animals live in the place you’re exploring. This way, you can be ready and know how to stay safe around them.

Being prepared for wildlife means your adventure searching for petrified wood will be much safer and more fun. So, always learn about the animals in the area and what to do if you see them.

Overestimating Personal Abilities

Sometimes, people looking for petrified wood think they can handle more than they actually can. They might try to go into areas that are tough to walk through or far from anyone who can help if something goes wrong. 

If you push yourself too much, you might end up tired, hurt, or in a bad situation. It’s really important to know your limits and not push too hard, especially in places you’re not familiar with.

Making sure you’re prepared and staying within areas you can safely explore means you can search for petrified wood without getting into bad situations. It keeps the search safe and enjoyable, letting you focus on the adventure.

Overharvesting

When people take too much petrified wood from one place, it’s a problem called overharvesting. This means there might not be enough left for other people who also enjoy looking for and collecting it. 

Taking more than you need can make it hard for everyone else who comes after you to find any petrified wood. It’s like taking all the cookies from the jar and leaving none for anyone else.

Certain areas also have limits on how much petrified wood you can take.

It’s important to think about how much you’re taking and the effect it has on others who share your hobby. Sharing the space and resources means everyone can enjoy the thrill of finding petrified wood.

Misidentifying Petrified Wood

Thinking every rock that looks a bit like wood is petrified wood is a mistake many people make. This can lead to a bunch of rocks at home that aren’t really what you thought they were.

Not taking the time to learn about petrified wood can mean missing out on a lot. When you know what to look for, finding real petrified wood becomes much more exciting.

There are different kinds of petrified wood, and they don’t all look the same. For example, Teredo petrified wood has a unique look because it was once wood eaten by shipworms before it turned to stone.

Knowing where different types of petrified wood are usually found can help your search too. If you learn about them, you’ll have a better chance of finding the cool pieces you’re hoping for.

Not Cleaning Petrified Wood Correctly

Some people try to clean rocks and minerals with strong chemicals or by scrubbing them hard, but this can actually be damaging. It’s much safer to use water and a gentle soap to get the dirt off.

When you clean petrified wood the wrong way, you might scratch it or accidentally smoothen out its natural texture. Taking care of it with the right methods keeps it looking good and preserves its natural beauty.

Remember, petrified wood has been around for a very long time, so it deserves to be treated carefully. A gentle cleaning can make it shine without risking any damage.

Improper Storage

Putting petrified wood just anywhere without thinking about things like how wet or dry it is can be a problem. If the place is too hot, too cold, or too damp, the petrified wood might start to break down.

It’s also important not to stack heavy things on top of petrified wood or let it get knocked around. This kind of rough treatment can cause chips and cracks.

To keep petrified wood looking great, find a spot for it that’s not too extreme in any way. That way, you can enjoy it for a long time without it getting damaged.