Petrified "Colla" Wood, Zile, Turkey

Where most people specialize, I am a rare collector of BOTH minerals and fossils and here is a good reason why. "Colla Wood" from Zile, Turkey is an absolutely fascinating material that bridges these two collecting worlds. Ancient woods can be replaced by a variety of minerals but the most attractive (and durable) are those now composed of chalcedony (agate). However, the agatized white pine found near Zile lies over a copper deposit and has absorbed an array of copper and vanadium minerals. For example, the term "Colla Wood" stems from the chrysocolla present in many specimens, including this one. However, two of the rarer minerals from this occurrence are present here as well - azurite (dark blue) and volborthite (yellow) - which make for a colourful combination. Red brown cuprite, as discreet crystals, and micro-drusy quartz is present in several tiny vugs too! This is easily the most unique piece of Colla Wood in current inventory with my supplier warning me the deposit is no longer producing.  Possibly of Miocene age. Zile, Tolkat Province, Turkey. Dimensions: 12.5 cm x 15.5 cm