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Glite Dictionary
🪨 Mineral change 🧬 Organism development
epigenesis

epigenesis

9.9
A change in the minerals of rock after it forms
  • noun
  • /ˌɛpɪˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : epigénesis
  • Geologists studied the epigenesis of the limestone to understand its unusual mineral composition.

Examples

  • Regional epigenesis has resulted in the replacement of some minerals with new chemical forms.

  • The epigenesis of certain ore deposits can significantly alter their economic value.

  • The study of epigenesis reveals how minerals can change over time.

  • Several researchers are investigating epigenesis in sedimentary rocks.

  • Geologists studied the epigenesis of the limestone to understand its unusual mineral composition.

  • Regional epigenesis has resulted in the replacement of some minerals with new chemical forms.

  • The epigenesis of certain ore deposits can significantly alter their economic value.

Synonyms

geological process
vsepigenesis
1 3.5

A natural change on Earth that shapes rocks and land, like erosion or volcanoes

is specifically about mineral content changes occurring after rock has formed
metallization
vsepigenesis
  • Specialized
8.5

Metals collect in rocks to form deposits that can be mined

is about any mineral content change in rock occurring after rock forms
pseudomorphosis
vsepigenesis
  • Specialized
9.9

A process where one mineral replaces another but keeps the original shape

is a later mineral content change that does not preserve the original shape
diagenesis
vsepigenesis
  • Specialized
9.9

Changes that turn soft sand or mud into hard rock over time

is a post-formation mineral change rather than changes during sediment formation

Surface Forms

epigenesis singular
epigeneses plural

Morphology

epigenesis = genesis (opaque) = epi + genesis

Although formed from 'epi-' + 'genesis', the geological sense refers to specialized post-formation mineral changes that a learner cannot derive from the base parts.

Etymology

Epigenesis comes from the Greek parts epi- 'upon' and genesis 'birth'. So in geology epigenesis means the changes or new minerals that form 'upon' a rock after it has already formed.