Granitisation is the process by which rock minerals are converted into granitic rocks. The phonetic transcription of granitisation is [ˌɡrænɪtaɪˈzeɪʃən], with stress on the second syllable. The word is spelled with a "z" instead of an "s" because it originates from British English, which uses "z" instead of "s" in certain words, such as "realisation" and "standardisation". This spelling is also used in Australian and Canadian English. In American English, it is alternatively spelled as "granitization" with an "s".
Granitisation is a geological process characterized by the transformation of rocks, usually igneous in nature, into granitic rocks through a combination of physical and chemical changes. It occurs predominantly in the Earth's crust, particularly in regions where intense heat and pressure are present.
During granitisation, the original rock undergoes various alterations that lead to the development of granitic characteristics. These alterations typically involve recrystallization, wherein the mineral composition of the existing rock grains changes, and an increase in grain size. This process is often associated with the formation of large crystals of minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica.
The mechanism behind granitisation involves the melting and re-crystallization of minerals due to the effects of high temperature and pressure. As the original rock undergoes partial melting, new minerals crystallize from the molten material, gradually transforming it into a granitic rock. This process may take place over long periods of time, with the rate of transformation varying depending on the specific conditions and composition of the original rock.
Granitisation is an important geological process as it contributes to the formation of granite, a widely recognized and utilized rock in various applications such as construction, sculpture, and countertops. It plays a significant role in shaping the Earth's crust and the geological history of regions where granitic rocks are prevalent.
The word "granitisation" is derived from the noun "granite" combined with the suffix "-isation".
The noun "granite" refers to a hard, coarse-grained igneous rock primarily composed of minerals like quartz, feldspar, and mica. It originates from the Latin word "granum", meaning "grain", which signifies the granular texture of the rock.
The suffix "-isation" is drawn from the Latin verb "-izare" or "-isare", which means "to become" or "to make". It is commonly used to form verbs or nouns denoting the process or result of something.
Therefore, "granitisation" signifies the process or result of becoming like, or being transformed into granite. It is often used in the context of geological processes or geological history to describe the formation or transformation of rocks into granite-like substances.