Lot 31
FOSSILISED WOOD SPHERE
ISALO II FORMATION, AMBILOBE, MADAGASCAR, TRIASSIC PERIOD, C. 220 MILLION YEARS B.P.
Auction: 28 May 2026 from 13:00 BST
Description
a single large specimen of fossilised conifer wood from the species araucaria, worked into sphere, displaying vibrant hues of red, mauve, silver and brown, raised on a bespoke mount
Dimensions
Weight: 6937g
Circumference: 55.3cm
Footnote
Madagascan fossilised wood is primarily found in the northwestern regions of the island. During the Triassic period, approximately 220 million years ago, this area supported extensive coniferous forests dominated by species such as araucaria. At that time, Madagascar formed part of the supercontinent Gondwana and experienced a warm climate that allowed large forests to flourish across broad river plains and lowland environments.
These trees were subsequently buried by volcanic ash and sediment, preserving them deep within the earth. Over millions of years, the wood remained encased in iron and manganese rich sediments. The gradual mineralisation of the timber preserved its structure while the presence of these elements produced the distinctive and vibrant hues now visible.