CompuServe Messages

Petrified Bone Date??

    24-Sep-94 17:25:09
Fm: JOHN DUFF 73564,3530
To: Syndesis 76004,1763
The petrified bone was found in Clarke County, Alabama in the stream bed of Silver Creek, near Silver Creek Falls (a natural water falls, about 12-15 in height, about five miles upstream of the Alabama River). However, I fail to understand how a bedrock map could indicate the age of a petrified bone sample found in a fast flowing stream. Again, my general question is, what range of time is necessary for organic molecules, like bone or wood, to turn into an inorganic material, such as petrified bone or wood? As for your comment about the stuff 'rotting', that would be impossible, since it is pure rock or quartz. It could wear away over a long period, but not decompose or 'rot'.