metasomatism
/ˌmɛtəsoʊməˈtɪzəm/
noun
- The process by which the chemical composition of a rock is changed by fluids (usually hot water) passing through it, often adding or removing minerals.
- Metasomatism is responsible for the formation of many valuable ore deposits.
- During metasomatism, elements like potassium and sodium can be carried into the rock by hot fluids.
- The geologist explained how metasomatism altered the limestone into a hard, silica-rich rock.