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Show " Cause of Petrifaction This process Is called petrifaction. When wood or the carcass of an animal ani-mal apparently turns to stone we suy It petritles. The word "petrify" Itself means turning to or making Into stone. It Is from the Latin "petra," a rock or stone, and "faclo," to make or to do. But the fact Is, organic matter dot s not actually turn Into stone. This Is what really occurs: Water containing contain-ing dissolved minerals, such ss cul-cUiwysr.-bonate and silica, Infiltrates through the organic matter. Particle by particle, as time passes by, the calcium cal-cium carbonate or silica takes the place of the organic matter. After many years, perhaps hundreds or thousands. It seems that the wood or animal has turned to stone, for often the original form and structure are retained In the process. The organic matter really only acts as a mold while the stone Is being formed from the minerals In the Infiltrating water. |