Mineralization

Mineralization is the natural process where organic materials, like bones, shells, or plant matter, are converted into mineral deposits over time. This occurs when minerals in water or soil seep into these materials, replacing organic components with inorganic minerals such as calcium phosphate or silica. As a result, the original structure is preserved but becomes a hardened, stone-like form. Mineralization is key in forming fossils and certain types of sedimentary rocks, effectively turning once-living or organic substances into durable mineral copies over long periods.