This Bog Oak bowl is from timber retrieved from the Norfolk Fens that was growing before Stonehenge or the Great Pyramid were built! The immersion for over 5,000 years in waterlogged, acidic soil with low oxygen level prevents decay and has turned the tannins naturally present in all Oak species a deep, rich brown throughout this piece, not just on the surface. The silvery flecks are mineral deposits which increase the density of the wood and occurred during its immersion. Sealed in food safe mineral oil / beeswax balm.