Fascinating whims of nature
Petrified wood has formed over a period of up to 360 million years by being subject to a permanent crystallisation process during which the wood has undergone a unique metamorphosis while being buried in water and mud with volcanic ash. Minerals, metals, lime or phosphorous from the mighty sedimentary layers have dissolved and gone down into the fallen trees. Gradually they have replaced the wood, while retaining part of its organic structures. In the presence of silicic acid, petrified wood may transform into a precursor of semi-precious gems such as chalcedony and agate.
All Brazilian hardwood species meet the high quality standards applicable to any wood used for manufacturing the barrel of the „Pen of the Year 2007". Select stocks of this fossilised wood are of a very rare dark colour and hard enough to give a top-quality gemstone finish. Their individual hues vary from shades of light brown via elegant anthracite grey to deep black where the grain is almost invisible. The stones’ intense but discrete sparkle never ceases to impress.
It requires the sensitive touch of an experienced cutter to ensure that the unique nuances of the stone come to the fore, all the way from the rough cut to the final polish.
The Herbert Stephan gemstone manufactury is predestined for this demanding task. It carries on the great tradition of the Idar Oberstein gemstone workshops, founded in the 15th century and of world renown.
