noun
- the process by which the chemical composition of a rock is altered by the introduction of material from external sources
Usage: geology
Examples
- Metasomatism occurred when hot fluids carrying dissolved minerals flowed through the limestone.
- The geologist identified evidence of metasomatism in the altered granite samples.
- Contact metasomatism happens when magma intrudes into surrounding rock formations.
- The ore deposits were formed through metasomatism over millions of years.
- Scientists studied the metasomatism that created the unusual mineral assemblages.
- Regional metasomatism affected large areas of the mountain range.