Fossilised Fence Posts

Diana O'Carroll

Petrified wood is a type of fossil, but some claim to have seen wooden fence posts that have already become petrified.  Is it scientifically possible for wood to fossilise in such a short period?  We ask how petrified wood is formed, and what exactly does it consist of?  Plus, you may instinctively be able to count three items in a pile, but how many items before you have to stop and count?