authigenic

[ aw-thi-jen-ik ]

adjective

, Geology.

1. (of a constituent of a rock) formed in the rock where it is found. Compare allogenic ( def 1 ).

authigenic

/ ˌɔːθɪˈdʒɛnɪk /

adjective

1. (of minerals) having crystallized in a sediment during or after deposition

Word History and Origins

Origin of authigenic¹

1885–90; < German Authigen < Greek authigenḗs native to a specific place ( aûthi there + -genēs born) + -ic; genic

Word History and Origins

Origin of authigenic¹

C19: from German authigene from Greek authigenēs native + -ic

Example Sentences

A K-Ar age of 4.21 ± 0.35 billion years represents a mixture of detrital and authigenic components and confirms the expected antiquity of rocks comprising the crater rim.

From Science Magazine

Meet Alvin, the Deep-Sea Submersible Seasickness, and Mutualistic Bacterial Mats Creepy Crawlies and Lady Gaga Heads The plan for Alvin Dive 4636 was ambitious: deploy four experiments and collect eight authigenic carbonates, four Niskin bottles of water, 24 tube cores of seep sediment, one scoop of clams, and two “slurps” of microbial mat. 

From New York Times