Petrified wood? Location: Nevada (Las Vegas)

[The Grim Kupo]

I found this lovely piece near Las Vegas, Nevada. I’m no expert, but I’m thinking this is petrified wood. Looking for a more trustworthy opinion than my own. Thoughts?

[DPS Ammonite]

Welcome to The Fossil Forum.

 

Holly molly; I just found some of that in the Pennsylvanian Naco Formation in Arizona. What formation and age rocks did you collect that from.  It is most likely a sponge, Chaetetes. 

 

Note the long closely packed tubes that have tabulae and the small polygonal openings. This genus was previously considered a coral and a bryozoa. Recently found similiar living sponges convinced researchers that this is a sponge.

[DPS Ammonite]

Here is another view of the same piece.

[The Grim Kupo]

Thank you very much!  I did wonder about the tubes. Your specimen is amazing!  

 

This specimen weighs about 15 pounds or so. It’s pretty large. Happy to add it to my humble collection. 

[Jeffrey P]

Congratulations on a very nice specimen.

[The Grim Kupo]

Thank you!

[KimTexan]

Yes It is a very nice piece. Cool find.