Petrifaction

Petrifaction, a name given to organic remains found in the strata of the earth, because they are generally more or less mineralised or made into stone. The word has fallen very much into disuse, having given place to the terms Fossil (q.v.) and Organic Remains. The name petrification is also loosely used of an object which, from being exposed to the action of limy or other water, becomes covered with a crystalline deposit. See FOSSIL FOREST, WOOD (PETRIFIED).