silicify

/səˈlɪsəˌfaɪ/
verb
  1. To turn into or become like silica (a hard, glassy mineral), often through a natural process over time.
    • Over millions of years, the fallen trees began to silicify, turning into beautiful petrified wood.
    • Geologists study how certain rocks silicify when exposed to silica-rich water.
    • The hot springs can silicify nearby plant matter, preserving its shape in stone.
Antonyms
What does "silicify" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean