Araucarioxylon is the most common of the three species of fossil trees found in Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park. Because of its brilliance and variety of color, it is often called "rainbow wood." The fractures are natural, caused by the effects of freezing and thawing that occurred after weathering freed the logs from the sedimentary deposits in which they were buried.

PURPOSE

Photographed for a book chapter.

EQUIPMENT / TECHNIQUE

Nikon 105 macro lens, studio lighting