“One consequence of focusing on the process is that we know it is incorrect to say petrification takes millions of years.”

“Maisie received in petrification the full force of her mother's huge and painted eyes-they were like Japanese lanterns swung under festal arches.”

“This is a startling fact for natural philosophers, and must cause them to modify the existing theory of petrification.”

“The fossilization process known as petrifaction usually begins when a tree or log is buried in silica-rich, alkaline volcanic ash or mud.”

“The petrifaction process occurs underground, when wood or woody materials suddenly become buried under sediment.”

“Though reddish-brown and hardened by petrifaction, the original character of the wood was still evident.”