Earth:Recrystallization (geology)

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Crystallization
Process-of-Crystallization-200px.png
Fundamentals
Crystal · Crystal structure · Nucleation
Concepts
Crystallization · Crystal growth
Recrystallization · Seed crystal
Protocrystalline · Single crystal
Methods and technology
Boules
Bridgman–Stockbarger method
Crystal bar process
Czochralski method
Epitaxy · Physics:Flux method
Fractional crystallization (chemistry
)

In geology, solid-state recrystallization is a metamorphic process that occurs under temperature and pressure where atoms of a mineral are reorganized by diffusion and/or dislocation glide. The mineral composition may remain unchanged. This process can be illustrated by observing how snow recrystallizes to ice.

As opposed to metasomatism, which is a change in composition, recrystallization can be a purely physical process.

Limestone is a sedimentary rock that undergoes metamorphic recrystallization to form marble, and clays can recrystallize to muscovite mica.