mineralize

Mineralize is a verb used in geology, biology, and environmental science to describe the process of turning substances into minerals or of depositing minerals within a material. In geology, mineralization refers to the precipitation and concentration of minerals within rocks, often forming ore bodies. In biology, it describes the deposition of minerals into biological tissues to harden them, such as bone and teeth. In environmental contexts, mineralization can denote the microbial or chemical conversion of organic matter to inorganic mineral forms during decomposition.

Geological mineralization occurs when transporting fluids introduce dissolved ions into rock, where changes in temperature, pressure, pH, or redox state cause minerals to crystallize. Over time, this can create veins, disseminated deposits, or replacement bodies of minerals such as quartz, pyrite, galena, or copper sulfides. Mineralizing events are a central topic in economic geology and ore-deposit exploration.

Biomineralization is a subset focusing on living organisms. In animals, bone and dentition develop through mineral deposition, primarily calcium phosphate in hydroxyapatite, guided by cells such as osteoblasts and odontoblasts and by organic matrices. Teeth enamel, dentin, and shells are examples of biomineralized tissues. Abnormal mineralization can result in hypomineralization, calcification disorders, or brittle structures.

Related terms include mineralisation (British English) and remineralization, which refers to restoring minerals after demineralization. In ecology and environmental science, mineralization also describes the breakdown of organic material to inorganic nutrients as part of nutrient cycling.