DEVITRIFICATION Meaning and
Definition
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Devitrification is a geological process that refers to the transformation of a glassy substance into a crystalline material. It involves the alteration of an amorphous, non-crystalline substance into a crystalline structure due to changes in temperature, pressure, or other geological factors. This process occurs when a material that was once in a glassy or vitreous state begins to undergo the nucleation and growth of crystals within its structure.
Devitrification typically occurs in volcanic glass or obsidian, which originally forms as a supercooled liquid that solidifies rapidly. Over time, if the glass is exposed to high temperatures, undergoes prolonged heating, or experiences the effects of hydrothermal alteration, the amorphous structure of the glass can break down, and crystalline phases start to form.
The devitrification process can vary in speed depending on factors such as composition, temperature, and time. Crystals may begin to form gradually or rapidly throughout the glass matrix. The resulting crystalline phases can include various minerals such as feldspar, quartz, magnetite, or pyroxene, depending on the original composition of the glass and the specific environmental conditions.
Devitrification is an essential process in understanding the geological history of volcanic rocks and can provide valuable information about the cooling and alteration history of the original glassy material. Through the study of devitrification, scientists can gain insights into the environmental conditions and processes that occurred during the formation and alteration of volcanic glasses.
Common Misspellings for DEVITRIFICATION
- sevitrification
- xevitrification
- cevitrification
- fevitrification
- revitrification
- eevitrification
- dwvitrification
- dsvitrification
- ddvitrification
- drvitrification
- d4vitrification
- d3vitrification
- decitrification
- degitrification
- devutrification
- devjtrification
- devktrification
- devotrification
- dev9trification
Etymology of DEVITRIFICATION
The word "Devitrification" is derived from the combination of two Latin root words: "de" meaning "from" or "out of", and "vitreus" meaning "of glass". Therefore, "Devitrification" literally means "the process of becoming or forming from glass". In the context of materials science, it refers to the transformation of a glassy substance (vitrified material) into a crystalline structure, losing its glassy nature in the process.
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