Recrystallization (geology)
Crystallization | |
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Concepts | |
Crystallization · Crystal growth Recrystallization · Seed crystal Protocrystalline · Single crystal | |
Fundamentals | |
Nucleation · Crystal Crystal structure · Solid | |
Methods and technology | |
Boules · Bridgman-Stockbarger Czochralski process Frac. crystalliz. · Frac. freezing Hydroth. synthesis · LHPG · Iodide process | |
In geology, solid-state recrystallization is a metamorphic process that occurs under situations of intense temperature and pressure where grains, atoms or molecules of a rock or mineral are packed closer together, creating a new crystal structure. The basic composition remains the same. This process can be illustrated by observing how snow recrystallizes to ice without melting.
As opposed to metasomatism, which is a chemical change caused by metamorphism, recrystallization is a physical process. However, recrystallization can occur when a local migration of chemicals results in the chemical change of the rock or mineral with no external addition of materials.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock that undergoes metamorphic recrystallization to form marble, and clays can recrystallize to muscovite mica.