METAMICTISATION Meaning and
Definition
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Metamictisation is a scientific term used in mineralogy to describe the process of transformation or alteration of a mineral's crystalline structure due to prolonged exposure to radiation. Specifically, it refers to the amorphization or disintegration of a mineral's crystal lattice caused by the accumulation of radiation damage over time.
When a mineral is exposed to high-energy radiation, such as from radioactive elements like uranium or thorium, the radiation can displace atoms within the mineral's crystal lattice. This displacement disrupts the regular arrangement of atoms, causing structural defects and ultimately leading to the breakdown of the mineral's original crystalline structure.
Metamictisation is a gradual process where the radiation-induced disorder accumulates over time, resulting in the mineral becoming amorphous or "metamict." In this amorphous state, the mineral loses its crystallographic properties and exhibits a complete lack of long-range order. Metamictisation can cause significant changes in a mineral's physical and chemical properties, such as its color, density, hardness, and even its ability to absorb certain wavelengths of light.
Metamictisation is particularly common in minerals that contain radioactive elements or minerals found in radioactive environments. Understanding the effects of metamictisation is important in mineralogy, as it affects the interpretation of various mineral properties and can provide insights into the geological history of a given area.
Common Misspellings for METAMICTISATION
- netamictisation
- ketamictisation
- jetamictisation
- mwtamictisation
- mstamictisation
- mdtamictisation
- mrtamictisation
- m4tamictisation
- m3tamictisation
- meramictisation
- mefamictisation
- megamictisation
- meyamictisation
- me6amictisation
- me5amictisation
- metzmictisation
- metsmictisation
- metwmictisation
- metqmictisation
- metanictisation
