An unusual "Stone circle" structure in fossilized wood

Abstract

The occurrence of unusual circular objects has been noted in a piece of fossilized wood assigned to the genus Sequoia in the Taxodiaceae. The wood has been replaced by white, translucent opal and is of such a nature to permit maceration of the cells. Circular rings were observed in many areas of the wood. They seemed to have no relation to any normal structure of the wood, i.e. bordered pits. They occur on the radial surface of the tracheids. Comparison was made with known objects of similar appearance occurring in rocks including oolites, lithophysae, and granules. None of the above features could be definitely considered as comparable to the circles in the fossilizcd wood because of the method of formation and appearance.