A rare and well-preserved petrified fossil has been discovered in Pakur, Jharkhand, India

A rare and well-preserved petrified fossil has been discovered in Pakur, Jharkhand, India

Petrification, a fossilization process where organic material is replaced by minerals, has preserved the specimen’s intricate structure. This discovery sheds light on the region’s geological history and offers insights into ancient ecosystems.  About Petrification Petrification (or permineralization ) is a fossilization process where organic matter (wood, bones, shells) is transformed into stone. Key steps include:  1. Rapid Burial : The organism is quickly buried under sediment, protecting it from decay and scavengers.  2. Mineral Infiltration : Groundwater rich in dissolved minerals (silica, calcite, pyrite) seeps into the organism’s cells.  3. Replacement : Over millennia, minerals crystallize and replace the organic material, preserving its structure.  4. Preservation : The fossil retains the original shape and texture but becomes stone-like.  Petrified fossils are invaluable for studying ancient life, as they often preserve cellular details.  Geological Features Related to Petrification …