Petrified iron ladder, somewhere in France. The ladder most likely underwent the process of calcification.

Being laid on the limestone surroundings known to contain calcium carbonate, when the rainwater poured over, it dissolved the carbonate compounds contained in limestone and subsequently soaked the surface of the ladder in calcium and magnesium ions.

Over time, the minerals solidified and petrified the ladder’s surface. Although researchers estimate the ladder is roughly 150 years old, it’s unclear how it became petrified in such a short span of time.

Looking at it from another perspective, it shows how matter can undergo major and mysterious changes over the years that challenge our limited worldview and understanding of reality.
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