It was proposed by the Alberta Federation of Rock Clubs. Much of Alberta's petrified wood was formed in coal seams, and some of the woody material is sometimes preserved. But you don't need to find a coal seam to find petrified wood in Alberta. Much of it has been eroded out and carried away by water. Today, petrified wood can be found on streambeds, river flats, and in ground deposits.
Some petrified wood is considered a semi-precious stone.
Of course, it is also admired for its scientific value. And anybody who tries to get tough with it will find that he has cracked his teeth on something too difficult to chew. Schmid also praised the great horned owl, which was adopted along with petrified wood, for its toughness. Several states adoped petrified wood as a symbol, including North Dakota, Mississippi, Washington, and Arizona. North Dakota and Arizona recognize specific kinds of petrified wood.