Hobbies And Interests
Petrified Forest Tours
Petrified forests are excellent places for people to view and learn about petrified wood. There are 11 states that have petrified forests which are open to the public for touring -- Arizona, California, Colorado, Mississippi, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. At these parks, tourists see the wood in its natural habitat and form and learn how the wood became petrified. While collecting is not allowed at these sites, there are shops available that sell specimens. Mineral museums are other places where you can observe specimens of petrified wood and learn about the petrifying process.
Collecting Wood
There are many areas open to the public where you can find petrified wood yourself. Hunting can be as inexpensive and easy as finding pieces on the ground and collecting them. More intense hunting requires equipment such as shovels, rock picks, chisels and crowbars. Local gem and mineral clubs, chambers of commerce and Bureau of Land Management offices all have information about petrified wood collecting sites in their local areas. Gem clubs also conduct field trips where you can learn to hunt specimens. They sometimes give classes or seminars to teach you how to identify piece of wood that you find as well.
Rock And Gem Shows
Rock and gem shows are fun activities for wood enthusiasts. You can check your local gem club for information about shows. If you have a good collection of wood, you may find trading activities fun and lucrative. You can rent your own booth at a rock and gem show or a flea market. You can buy new specimens at shows and markets and also meet others who may be willing to trade specimens with you. Sometimes other people you meet at the show will be able to give you ideas for hunting areas or will have demonstrations of how to craft different items from wood.
Crafting Activities
You can make jewelry, picture frames, tables or table tops, drink coasters, lamps and other interesting items from petrified wood. Petrified wood is stone and requires equipment and skill to craft. Schools sometimes have classes you can take to learn how to craft petrified wood. Rock and gem clubs also sometimes hold classes. They often have members available who teach others how to work with wood and other stones and minerals, or the necessary equipment available for use. Setting up your own shop can be an exciting activity as well; however, the equipment can be costly so it is worth your time to learn the craft before investing.