paragenesis

/ˌpɛrəˈdʒɛnəsɪs/
noun
  1. The sequence or order in which minerals form together in a rock or geological deposit.
    • By analyzing paragenesis, scientists can reconstruct the history of a volcanic rock formation.
    • Geologists studied the paragenesis of the ore to understand how the gold deposits formed.
    • The paragenesis of quartz and pyrite in this sample suggests a high-temperature environment.
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