to opalize
- verb
- /ˈoʊpəˌlaɪz/
- Specialized
- Some fossils have opalized due to unique geological conditions.
Examples
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The minerals in the soil began to slowly opalize ancient tree trunks.
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In this region, volcanic ash can opalize wood over millions of years.
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Geologists have discovered how minerals opalize over millennia.
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Did you know that certain rocks can opalize under the right conditions?
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In this region, volcanic ash can opalize wood over millions of years.
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The minerals in the soil began to slowly opalize ancient tree trunks.
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Some fossils have opalized due to unique geological conditions.
Synonyms
To form metal ore in rock, like copper, so it can be mined
To change something into stone over a long time
To turn something into a hard, glass-like rock that keeps its shape
To turn into solid rock over time
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Opalize comes from the gemstone opal, originally meaning 'precious stone', plus the ending -ize which means 'to make'. So opalize literally means 'to make into opal', which fits the slow natural process when wood or fossils turn into opal.