What does mineralise mean?
Mineralise is chiefly a technical verb meaning to convert a substance into a mineral or mineral-like form. The process may occur naturally, as when geological heat and pressure turn sediment into stone, or be performed deliberately in industrial and laboratory settings. In a more specialised sense, mineralise can mean to impregnate a material with mineral matter, as can happen to porous bone or other porous substances. The word is especially associated with geology, mineralogy, chemistry and archaeological conservation. Although it sounds formal, its underlying idea is straightforward: material is converted into, or combined with, something mineral in character. Mineralise is the usual British spelling; the equivalent American form is mineralize.
verbTo convert a substance into a mineral or mineral-like form. In specialist contexts, it can also mean to impregnate something with mineral matter.
- To convert a substance into a mineral or mineral-like form.
- To impregnate a material with mineral matter.
"Heat and pressure mineralise the sediment into a hard, rock-like material."
"Over time, the surrounding minerals mineralise the remains."
"The process mineralises the porous material into a ceramic-like substance."
Mineralise is wonderfully literal: it names the conversion of a substance into a mineral form.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mineralise
The verb was formed in English from mineral and the suffix -ise, meaning “to make into” or “to treat by a specified process.” Mineral itself comes through Latin from mineralis, an adjective associated with mines and mineral matter. Related English words such as mineralogy and mineralogist developed from the same Latin foundation through the study and identification of minerals.
Related word forms
How mineralise is actually used
This is chiefly a technical verb used in geology, chemistry, archaeology and related fields. British English normally uses the ending -ise, while American English commonly uses -ize.
Easily confused with mineralise
Mineralise is the standard British spelling of the American variant mineralize; both forms have the same meaning.