Triassic Petrified Araucaria Wood with Rich Red and Earthy Tones Exquisite Mosaic of Petrified Wood Slices - Height: 605 mm - Width: 605 mm- 12700 g - (1)

A fragment of prehistoric forest in a design object — This exceptional lot features a large circular top, conceived to be a coffee table or a premium decorative element, entirely made from an assembly of fossil wood sections. Coming from the famous Madagascar formations and dating back to the Triassic, about 220 million years ago, this piece is a true window into a prehistoric world. The work combines the wonder of paleontology with sophisticated design, transforming a natural history relic into an exclusive furnishing item. The visual impact is dominated by the mosaic-like composition. Numerous transverse sections of fossil conifer trunks, belonging mainly to the genus Araucaria, have been meticulously selected, cut, and arranged to create a surface that is dynamic and rich in detail. The mirror-polish highlights an extraordinary palette of colors: from deep reds, evidence of iron oxides, to pure quartz whites, passing through ochre, brown, and black shades. Each individual slice impeccably preserves the anatomical structure of the original wood, with growth rings and cellular details perfectly legible. The genesis of this material is a fascinating geological process known as permineralization. Millions of years ago, trees felled were rapidly buried by sediments in an anoxic environment, which prevented their decomposition. Groundwater, rich in dissolved minerals like silica, slowly percolated through the plant tissues. Molecule by molecule, the organic matter was replaced by minerals, which crystallized to create a perfect and durable replica of the original wood. The result is a “stone” that retains the appearance of wood but possesses the hardness and durability of quartz. The assembly was carried out with great mastery. The fossilized sections are inlaid in a pigment-dyed resin of a warm, deep tone, which not only acts as a binder but also creates a chromatic contrast that highlights every single element of the mosaic. This modern technique ensures stability and durability of the surface, making it suitable for use as a side surface, while preserving the integrity and beauty of each fossil fragment. The surface, perfectly flat and smooth to the touch, invites visual exploration. The fossil wood from Madagascar, particularly that from the areas around Ambilobe, is renowned worldwide for its exceptional preservation and vivid colors. Possessing an object of this kind means safeguarding an authentic fragment of the supercontinent Gondwana. This top is not merely a piece of furniture, but a conversation piece, a natural work of art that unites Earth’s history and artisanal skill. It is the ideal element to enrich a luxury setting, a professional study, a gallery, or a modern Wunderkammer.