How is pertified wood formed?

Petrified wood forms through a process called permineralization, where organic material, such as wood, is buried under sediment and subjected to mineral-rich water. Over time, minerals like silica, calcite, or pyrite seep into the wood's cellular structure, replacing the organic material while preserving its original form. This process can take millions of years, resulting in a fossilized version of the wood that retains its texture and structure but is now composed of stone. The final product often displays intricate details of the wood, including growth rings and bark patterns.