Petrification is a natural process that turns organic material into stone over time. This occurs when minerals, such as silica or calcite, replace the organic material in a plant or animal, preserving its structure. The process often takes thousands to millions of years and can be seen in fossils, such as those of trees or dinosaurs. One of the most famous examples of petrification is the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, where ancient trees have turned into stone. This park showcases how the environment and mineral-rich waters contribute to the petrification process, allowing us to study ancient life forms.