paragenesis

[ par-uh-jen-uh-sis ]

noun

, Geology.

1. the origin of minerals or mineral deposits in contact so as to affect one another's formation.
2. the order in which the minerals in a rock or vein have crystallized.

paragenesis

/ ˌpærədʒɪˈniːzɪə; ˌpærədʒɪˈnɛtɪk; ˌpærəˈdʒɛnɪsɪs /

noun

1. a characteristic association of minerals in a particular type of rock or ore deposit

Derived Forms

• paragenetic, adjective
• ˌparageˈnetically, adverb

Other Words From

• par·a·ge·net·ic [par-, uh, -j, uh, -, net, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paragenesis¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1850–55; para- ¹, genesis

Example Sentences

A part of the work of this corps is to study the methods of metamorphism and the paragenesis of minerals, and in this connection the chemists do work in the field; but to a large extent they are occupied with the study of the materials collected by the field geologists.

From Project Gutenberg