Exploring the state’s rugged terrain offers a unique opportunity to discover petrified wood, a fossilized treasure from ancient forests. With the right tips, you’ll be ready to embark on your own adventure and uncover these fascinating remnants of prehistoric life.

Knowing where to look and what to expect will increase your chances of spotting these remarkable pieces scattered across this great state’s terrain!

Petrified wood you can find in the US

In the United States, several types of petrified wood can be found, each with unique characteristics based on the original tree species and the minerals involved in the fossilization process. Here are some of the types you’ll be able to find.

Araucarioxylon

Found in the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, this is one of the most famous types of petrified wood. It comes from an extinct species of conifer. As Arizona’s state fossil, Araucarioxylon holds a special place in the state’s natural history.

These trees once formed vast forests during the Late Triassic period, about 225 million years ago. The vibrant colors in this petrified wood come from minerals that replaced the original tree material over time.

Metasequoia

Often referred to as dawn redwood, this type of petrified wood can be found in various parts of the U.S., including the Pacific Northwest. Metasequoia was once thought to be extinct until living trees were later discovered in China.

Furthermore, its fine grain and reddish-brown color are characteristic features.

Palmoxylon

This petrified wood originates from palm trees and is often found in the Gulf Coast states like Texas and Louisiana. Recognized as the state stone of Texas, Palmoxylon is abundant and holds cultural significance.

The wood’s unique speckled or dotted pattern comes from the vascular bundles of the original palm tree. These fossils date back to the Cretaceous period, when the area was tropical and teeming with life.

Taxodium

Also known as bald cypress, this petrified wood can be found in the southeastern U.S., particularly in areas that were once swampy. Taxodium wood is often found in places that were ancient swamps, where these trees thrived millions of years ago.

The wood is durable and shows intricate grain patterns, with growth rings and knotholes that tell the story of its long history. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the wet environments that once dominated the Southeast.

Sequoioxylon

Petrified wood from ancient sequoia trees, found in places like California, where sequoia forests once thrived. These trees are the ancestors of the giant sequoias that still stand in California today.

The petrified wood is notable for its large, straight grain and reddish color, reflecting the immense size and age of the original trees.

Ginkgoxylon

Petrified wood from ancient ginkgo trees, which can sometimes be found in states like Oregon and Washington. Ginkgo is one of the oldest tree species on Earth, with fossils dating back over 200 million years.

Ginkgo petrified wood often has a light color and may show patterns similar to the fan-shaped leaves of the living ginkgo.

Dicotyledonous Wood

Found across various states, this type of petrified wood comes from broadleaf trees, making it more common and varied in appearance. You can spot dicotyledonous wood by the distinct vessels and growth rings that indicate seasonal changes.

This type of petrified wood is often found in regions that were once temperate forests, offering clues about the diverse plant life that existed millions of years ago.

Piceoxylon

Petrified wood from ancient spruce trees, commonly found in areas like Wyoming and Montana, where coniferous forests once thrived. Piceoxylon is known for its straight grain and pale color, often showing growth rings that tell the tree’s life story.

These trees were part of the ancient boreal forests that covered large parts of North America during cooler periods.

A Quick Request About Collecting

What Rough Petrified Wood Looks Like

Most of the photos you find of petrified wood are pieces that have been cut and polished. That is certainly useful but isn’t super helpful once you are out in the field. This is what you should look out for once you start hunting:

Exteriors like this

Every type of petrified wood has a different exterior and pattern but this is a good starting point on what to look for.

Texture and grain patterns

One of the most distinctive features to look for is the texture and grain patterns. Petrified wood often retains the original structure of the tree, including the grain, knots, and even growth rings. These patterns can appear similar to modern wood but are typically more rigid and fossilized.

Examine the surface for any linear patterns or striations that indicate the original wood grain. The texture may feel smoother or more polished in certain areas where mineralization has created a glassy effect.

Coloration and mineralization

The color of petrified wood can vary significantly due to the minerals that replaced the organic material during the fossilization process. Common colors include shades of brown, red, yellow, orange, and black.

Some pieces might even exhibit multiple colors in intricate patterns. These colors are often more vivid and diverse than those found in regular rocks. When inspecting potential petrified wood, look for these distinct and varied hues, which can indicate the presence of different minerals such as silica, iron, manganese, and others that contributed to the petrification process.

Bark and exterior features

Another telltale sign of petrified wood is the presence of bark impressions or external textures that resemble tree bark. These features are often well-preserved and can include the rough, fibrous texture of bark, knots, or other surface irregularities typical of natural wood.

The exterior of rough petrified wood may also have a weathered appearance, with cracks and fractures that occurred as the wood fossilized over millions of years. Look closely for these natural wood features, as they can be a strong indicator that you have found a piece of petrified wood.

Weight and density

Petrified wood is typically much heavier and denser than regular wood due to the mineralization process. When rockhounding, pick up the specimen to feel its weight. Even small pieces of petrified wood will feel significantly heavier than an equivalent-sized piece of non-fossilized wood.

This increased density is due to the replacement of organic material with minerals, making petrified wood feel more like a rock than wood. Comparing the weight and density of your find with known samples of petrified wood can help confirm its authenticity.

General Areas To Try First

Before we get into the specific places you should be looking we wanted to give you some more general advice. Once you get to your hunting area you should head straight for these areas if you want to have the best results:

Lakeshores

Lakeshores are like natural garbage cans because all things wash up and get left there over time. That includes wood that has turned to stone. As the water rises and falls, it carries sediment and rocks. It also takes the fossilized remains of trees from long ago.

Most lakeshores have a variety of rocks and minerals, which makes them an excellent place for petrified wood to grow and thrive. You’ll find a nice mix of sedimentary and volcanic rocks, the best sites for preserving wood fossils.

Roadcuts

When building roads, parts of the ground are often cut away to make a smooth path. The magic happens when the road cuts through layers of rock and soil. Petrified wood is often buried deep underground, and roadcuts let us see these underground wonders.

As workers blast through the rock layers, they accidentally find petrified wood that has been there for hundreds of years. Petrified wood is easy for collectors to spot because the exposed rock layers of roadcuts make it easy to see its unique patterns and colors.

Streams and creeks

Streams and creeks can move loose sediment away, which can reveal old wood that has turned to stone. As the water moves around, it exposes small pieces or even more significant amounts of petrified wood that have settled on the streambed.

Streams and creeks are more accessible for collectors because they are not as big. You can easily walk along their banks, jump from rock to rock, and look for petrified wood at the water’s edge.

River beds

Riverbeds are excellent for finding petrified wood due to their unique geological and environmental conditions. Rapid burial by sediments like sand, silt, and mud protects fallen trees from decay, initiating the fossilization process.

Mineral-rich waters flowing through rivers facilitate the replacement of organic material with minerals such as silica, turning wood into stone. Over time, erosion exposes these buried treasures, making them accessible for discovery.

This dynamic environment, with constant sediment deposition and mineral infiltration, creates ideal conditions for the formation and eventual exposure of petrified wood.

The tools every petrified wood hunter will need

When you're out looking for petrified wood having the right tools for the job is really going to make or break your success. You don't need a lot for most trips but there are a handful that are critical and will make your life a lot easier.

We get asked a lot about the equipment we use. Over the years we've found a handful of tools that we recommend to both new and experienced petrified wood hunters which we outline in great detail in our complete rockhounding tools and kit guide. These are quality options that also happen to be relatively inexpensive.

Below are the basic tools that make your life so much easier and save you a ton of time. Check out the full guide to see everything we recommend bringing. One quick note, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases but we try very hard to only recommend gear we would use ourselves and often recommend brands you can't find on Amazon.

At a minimum you should have:

1 - Sturdy rock hammer: The Estwing Rock Pick is our standard

2 - Rugged chisels: Try Kendo' 3-piece Chisel Set

3 - Compact shovel: The Koleiya 28-inch shovel works well

4 - Rock screen pan: The Wazakura Soil Sieve Set fits the bill

5 - Eye protection: DeWalt Safety Glasses are cheap and comfortable

6 - Head protection: Malta's Safety Helmet has been our go-to

7 - Jewelers lens with at least 20x magnification: Jarlink's Jewelers Loop is perfect

The petrified wood-finding books that we use most

There are also a few books that have been extremely helpful in the search for gems. These books have great recommendations and tips:

National Audubon Society Field Guide to Rocks and Minerals: North America 

Southwest Treasure Hunter's Gem & Mineral Guide 

Earth Treasures: The Southwestern Quadrant 

We provide links to find these tools on Amazon but some can also be found at your local hardware stores. For more recommendations check out the link to our full tool guide above.

The Best Places To Find Petrified Wood In STATE

When it comes to exploring the fascinating world of petrified wood, the rockhounding spots in Florida are a true playground for discovery.

Dive in and let’s explore some of the best spots:

Peace River

The Peace River in Florida is a real gem for nature lovers and rockhounds! Stretching over 100 miles, this river starts in the Green Swamp near Bartow and flows southwest until it meets Charlotte Harbor.

Its path takes it through some of Florida’s most beautiful landscapes, including thick forests and marshy wetlands.

What’s special about the Peace River is its rich geology. Over time, the river has carved out layers of the earth, revealing fossils and unique stones from ancient days.

Many rockhounds visit to search for shark teeth, bones, and other cool treasures. The river’s shallow waters make it easier to spot these finds.

The terrain around the Peace River is a mix. There are sandy banks, wooded areas, and spots with limestone outcrops. It paints a vibrant picture of Florida’s diverse landscape.

Getting to the Peace River is a breeze! There are multiple access points along its course, and many of them have parks or recreation areas.

Whether you want to paddle, hunt for fossils, or just enjoy the scenery, the Peace River is a must-visit for anyone in Florida!

Where we found petrified wood along the Peace River

As you explore the riverbanks and shallow waters, you might find pieces of Florida petrified wood. Over time, minerals replaced the wood, preserving its shape and details.

The river’s winding course has pockets where petrified wood collects, making it an exciting spot for any rockhound. So, grab your gear and head to Peace River; you’re in for a treat!

Lakeland

Lakeland, Florida is a bustling city that lives up to its name with stunning lakes all around. Nestled between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland is home to 38 gorgeous lakes, each one offering a unique slice of Florida’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re into boating, fishing, or just relaxing by the water, Lakeland’s lakes are a central part of life here.

Geographically, Lakeland has a mostly flat terrain, sprinkled with gentle rolling hills. It’s not just the lakes that make Lakeland interesting; the area’s geology is fascinating too.

With an abundance of phosphate mines nearby, it’s a hot spot for fossil enthusiasts, who often find treasures like shark teeth and ancient bones.

The city’s landscape also includes parks, trails, and woodlands, giving outdoor enthusiasts plenty to explore. From the scenic beauty of the Lake-to-Lake Park to the adventurous terrain of the Circle B Bar Reserve, there’s something for everyone.

Getting to Lakeland is a snap! Its central location means it’s easily accessible by major highways like I-4, and the local public transportation options are handy too.

Where we found petrified wood in Lakeland

One place to look is just 2 miles east at Saddle Creek, right near a phosphate mine. Phosphate mines often uncover all sorts of cool rocks and fossils

Another promising location is 2 miles northeast of Lake Parker, also at a phosphate mine. These mines have dug up bits of Florida’s ancient past, and it’s not rare to stumble upon petrified wood here.

Suwannee River

The Suwannee River is one of Florida’s natural treasures! It flows over 240 miles from the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia all the way to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. As it travels, the river winds through scenic forests, limestone springs, and wetlands.

The river’s geology is a treat for rockhounds. The Suwannee is famous for its limestone springs and underwater caves. Over time, the river has carved into this limestone, creating beautiful springs and exposing fossils from ages past.

Terrain-wise, the areas around the Suwannee offer a mix of sandy banks, hardwood forests, and marshes. Plus, there are some spots where you can see limestone outcrops popping up, telling tales of the land’s ancient history.

Now, getting to the Suwannee River is simple! It’s well-marked and there are numerous parks, springs, and recreation areas along its course.

Where we found petrified wood at Suwannee River

Near the riverbanks and in the shallows, you can often find bits of petrified wood. The river’s natural flow exposes these treasures, especially after heavy rains.

Levy County

Levy County is a hidden gem located in the northern part of Florida. Geographically, it’s tucked between the Gulf of Mexico and central Florida, offering a mix of coastal areas and inland forests.

The county boasts beautiful terrain, with a blend of sandy beaches, dense woods, and shimmering lakes.

From a geology standpoint, Levy County is a treat. It sits atop layers of limestone, which means there are many springs, sinkholes, and underwater caves waiting to be explored.

The limestone-rich land also holds clues to Florida’s prehistoric past. Rockhounds can sometimes find fossils and unique minerals in this region.

Getting to Levy County is a breeze. Main roads, like U.S. Route 19, pass right through the heart of the county. It’s well-connected, so whether you’re coming from southern Florida or from the north, you can reach it without a hitch.

Where we found petrified wood in Levy County

One of the best places to search is in the quarries spread across the county. These quarries dig deep into the Earth, they expose pieces of petrified wood.

If you’re planning a trip to Levy County, remember to get permission before exploring any quarries.

Bone Valley Formation

The Bone Valley Formation in Florida is like a time capsule for rockhounds! It’s located in the central part of the state, covering areas of Polk, Hardee, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties.

This region is known for its rolling landscapes with a mix of flatlands and gentle hills.

Geologically, the Bone Valley Formation is super special. It’s a layer of the Earth that’s packed with phosphate rock, which is important for making fertilizer.

Over time, ancient animals like sharks, whales, and even mammoths lived here, leaving their bones and teeth behind. Today, rockhounds often find these amazing fossils while exploring.

The terrain here is diverse. There are open mines, dense forests, and wetlands that paint a vivid picture of Florida’s varied landscape.

Reaching the Bone Valley Formation isn’t tricky at all. Major highways like US-27 and I-75 run nearby. But remember, many areas are actively mined or are on private land, so always get permission before you start your fossil adventure.

Where we found petrified wood at the Bone Valley Formation

When exploring, rockhounds can often find bits of petrified wood, especially near old mine areas. If you’re on the hunt in the Bone Valley Formation, always be sure you’re searching in places where you have permission.

Other Great Places To Find Florida Petrified Wood

Knowing where to find petrified wood is essential for avid rockhounds. Aside from our recommendations above, you can also look in these places for petrified wood in Florida:

Common Questions About Finding Petrified Wood In Florida

These are the answers to some of the commonly asked questions about petrified wood in the state:

How old is petrified wood in Florida?

Most of the petrified wood found here dates back to a period called the Miocene epoch. This epoch began around 23 million years ago and ended about 5.3 million years ago.

During the Miocene, the climate was warmer, and Florida’s landscapes were home to a mix of plants and animals, some of which are no longer around today. Over time, trees from this period got buried quickly, which protected them from rotting.

So, in a nutshell, Florida petrified wood is typically between 5.3 to 23 million years old.

Can you find petrified palm wood in Florida?

Absolutely, you can find petrified palm wood in Florida! Florida’s ancient past was home to a variety of trees, including palm trees. The organic material in the wood was replaced by minerals, turning the palm wood into stone.

This process kept the unique pattern of the palm, so it’s different from other types of petrified wood.

Petrified palm wood stands out because it has dot-like patterns which are actually the spots where the palm had its branches. When you find a piece, it’s like holding a snapshot of Florida from millions of years ago!

If you’re out searching in Florida, especially in areas known for petrified wood, keep an eye out for these special dotted patterns.

The Best Places To Buy Petrified Wood In Florida

You can buy petrified wood specimens from these local stores:

• The Rock Shop – 445 Eglin Pkwy NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
• Earth Treasures – 207 West Miami Ave W, Venice, FL 34285
• We Rock Rocks – 3445 C, E Bay Dr, Largo, FL 33771
• Black Market Minerals – 5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy #401, Kissimmee, FL 34746
• Ye Olde Rock Shoppe – 1425 S 30th Ave C, Hollywood, FL 33020