silicify

Silicify means to convert something into silica or a silicate, or, when used intransitively, to become silica. The process is associated with geology, mineralogy, paleontology, chemistry, and the preservation of organic remains under heat, pressure, or chemical conditions. In paleontology, for example, silica can gradually replace the original material of shells, bones, or plant tissues, producing a mineralized fossil. The verb is relatively uncommon outside technical contexts, so ordinary writing often uses the plainer phrase “turn into silica” instead. Silicify is related in form and origin to silica, silicate, siliceous, and silicon. Its principal form is the noun silicification, which names the conversion process itself.

To convert something into silica or a silicate, especially through a chemical or geological process. It can also be used intransitively to describe a substance becoming silica.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does silicify come from?

Silicify was formed from silica with the suffix -ify, meaning “to make into” or “to become.” The element silica comes through Latin from silex or silicem, a term referring to flint or another hard stone. Related English words include silicate, siliceous, and silicon.

Related word forms

How silicify is actually used

This is a rare formal or scientific term used chiefly in geology, mineralogy, paleontology, chemistry, and materials science. In non-specialist writing, a more direct phrase such as “convert into silica” is usually clearer.

Easily confused with silicify

Rhymes with silicify