Mineralize

To mineralize means to convert into a mineral form or to replace organic matter with minerals through natural processes, often in the context of geology and biology. In a biological sense, it refers to the process where organic substances become impregnated with minerals, facilitating the preservation of biological specimens. In geology, it may refer to the formation of minerals through chemical processes over time.

Mineralize meaning with examples

• The buried fossils were found to have mineralized over millions of years, providing vital information about Earth's ancient ecosystems during the excavation.
• In the bioengineering lab, researchers are experimenting with ways to mineralize organic waste to create more sustainable building materials, transforming refuse into something useful.
• The process of mineralizing bone is crucial for understanding how modern species evolved from their ancestors, as it helps paleontologists analyze fossilized remains.
• During the field trip, the geology students learned how seawater mineralizes the remains of marine organisms, eventually forming limestone deposits that tell the story of ancient oceans.
• The preservation of mummies in ancient Egypt involved techniques that helped mineralize the bodies, allowing them to withstand the ravages of time and remain intact for millennia.