REVIEW OF THE FOSSIL WOODS IN VIETNAM���S TERRITORY

Fossil woods have been found in many localities in Vietnam’s territory in geological formations of the Devonian Triassic Jurassic Cretaceous Paleogene Neogene and Quaternary periods. Originally they were woody plants belonging to phyla Lycopodiophyta Polypodiophyta Gymnospermae and Angiospermae. After death the plants were buried under specific conditions and the organic components of the wood were replaced by minerals such as agate opal calcite etc. At present fossil woods are used for decoration in homes and offices and are exhibited in museums and parks. In this paper we present basic information on fossil woods their geological ages research methods used to study them and their scientific and artistic significance.