Silicified
Silicified is a term used in geology and paleontology to describe a process where an organic object, such as bone, wood, or shell, is replaced by silica. This replacement occurs gradually over time as mineral-rich groundwater seeps through the porous material. The silica, often in the form of quartz or opal, precipitates within the original structure, preserving its form in exquisite detail. This fossilization process results in a stony impression of the original organic material.
Silicification is a common method of fossilization, particularly for plant material and some animal remains. Petrified