Petrification
석화
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<speciesfyi-glossary slug="petrification"></speciesfyi-glossary>Definition
The process by which organic material is gradually replaced by minerals, turning remains into stone.
Detailed Explanation
Petrification occurs when groundwater carrying dissolved minerals permeates organic tissue — silica, calcite, or pyrite gradually replaces cells while preserving original structure. Petrified wood retains cellular anatomy despite being entirely mineral. The process requires rapid burial to exclude oxygen and scavengers. Silicified fossils often preserve exquisite detail — bacteria cells, plant tissue, and even melanosomes indicating ancient feather colors have been recovered from petrifaction.