met·a·so·ma·tism (m t  -s  m-t zm) also met·a·so·ma·to·sis (-sm-tss)n. The process by which the chemical composition of a rock is changed by interaction with fluids; replacement of one mineral by another without melting. met a·so·matic (-m tk) adj.met a·so·mati·cal·ly adv. |
metasomatism [ˌmɛtəˈsəʊməˌtɪzəm], metasomatosis [ˌmɛtəˌsəʊməˈtəʊsɪs]
n
(Earth Sciences / Geological Science) change in the composition of a rock or mineral by the addition or replacement of chemicals
[from New Latin; see meta-, somato-]
| metasomatism (mt-sm-tzm) also metasomatosis (mt-sm-tss) The process by which the chemical composition of a rock is changed through the introduction or extraction of chemicals dissolved in fluids that migrate through the rock's pores. Metasomatism often results in the formation of new minerals, especially metal ore deposits. |
metasomatism
the process of chemical change in rocks or other mineral masses that results in the formation of new rocks or minerals. Also metasomatosis.
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