Colla Wood: Rare Copper‑Bearing Petrified Wood from Tokat, Zile, Turkey
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Colla Wood is the trade name for a rare copper-bearing petrified wood from Tokat, Zile, Turkey. Distinguished by its vivid chrysocolla, azurite, malachite, cuprite, and occasional opalized zones, it has become one of the most sought-after materials in the lapidary and collector markets.
Origins of the Trade Name
The name Colla Wood was created by Unconventional Lapidarist LLC in 2012 when the first pieces were imported. The striking chrysocolla present in those early specimens inspired the name, which has since become recognized across the lapidary community. Following its discovery, the mine was licensed and reopened to allow export of the wood.
Current Mining Status
While Colla Wood was once actively mined, production has slowed dramatically. In fact, according to recent communication with the miner, there has been no active mining since 2023. The material being recovered was no longer producing the vivid color zones that made Colla Wood famous, further underscoring its rarity and the limited supply available in today’s market.
Geological and Mineralogical Characteristics
Colla Wood formed through fossilization of ancient wood, with silica replacement enriched by copper minerals. Its mineral composition includes:
- Silica (Quartz/Opal): forms the fossil structure.
- Chrysocolla: turquoise to deep blue hues.
- Azurite: rich royal blue tones.
- Malachite: banded greens.
- Cuprite: deep reds.
- Opalized zones: translucent to opaque silica replacement.
Rarity and Availability
The deposit near Zile, Tokat is extremely limited. Mining is small-scale, often by local diggers, and supply is inconsistent. With mining halted and color production diminished, high-grade material is rarer than ever, making Colla Wood one of the most difficult petrified woods to source ethically and consistently.
Mohs Hardness
- Quartz-dominant areas: ~6.5–7
- Opalized zones: ~5–6
- Chrysocolla-rich zones: ~2–4
This variability requires lapidaries to adapt cutting and polishing techniques.
Lapidary Cutting and Polishing
Colla Wood is rewarding but challenging to work:
- Use sharp diamond blades to minimize chipping.
- Expect variable resistance between quartz and softer copper minerals.
- Stabilize fractures before trimming.
- Polish quartz-rich areas with cerium or tin oxide; chrysocolla and malachite need gentler polishing.
- Opalized sections polish beautifully but require patience.
Pricing Trends
Pricing varies by grade, size, and mineral mix. Below is a general comparison:
| Material Type | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slabs (per sq. inch) | $5 – $20 | Opalized or multi-colored slabs trend higher. |
| Cabochons (per carat) | $2 – $15 | Exceptional polish, color intensity, and stability increase value. |
Factors Influencing Pricing
- Color intensity: vivid blues and greens are most desirable.
- Mineral mix: multi-mineral specimens fetch higher prices.
- Stability: stabilized pieces are more marketable.
- Polishability: stones that take a high polish are valued more.
- Provenance: documented origin adds collector appeal.
Market Demand and Collector Interest
Colla Wood is increasingly visible at gem shows, online marketplaces, and among metaphysical buyers. Its rarity and copper mineralization make it attractive to jewelry artists and collectors seeking unique, ethically sourced stones. Metaphysical communities prize it for combining the grounding energy of petrified wood with the emotional and intuitive properties of chrysocolla, azurite, malachite, and cuprite.
Metaphysical Associations
- Chrysocolla: communication, emotional balance.
- Azurite: intuition, clarity.
- Malachite: transformation, protection.
- Cuprite: vitality, grounding.
- Petrified Wood: ancestral connection, stability.
Call to Action
Because the deposit is so limited and mining has ceased, high-quality Colla Wood is becoming increasingly difficult to source. If you’re a jewelry artist, collector, or lapidary enthusiast looking for truly one-of-a-kind material, now is the time to explore what’s available.
👉 Browse our current selection of Colla Wood cabochons, slabs, and rough at Unconventional Lapidarist LLC.