Story: Gemstones

Silicified wood and plant material

When wood and plant material is buried, circulating waters sometimes deposit fine-grained quartz in the cells (silicification), forming a hard rock in which the plant’s original structure can be seen. There has been considerable silicification of plant material in the Coromandel area, producing a silica-rich rock known as Manaia stone.

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How to cite this page:

Jocelyn Thornton, 'Gemstones - Quartz', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/interactive/5124/silicified-wood-and-plant-material (accessed 16 April 2024)

Story by Jocelyn Thornton, published 12 Jun 2006