mineralization
Min`er*al*i*za"tion, n. Etym: [Cf. F. minéralisation.] 1. The process of mineralizing, or forming a mineral by combination of a metal with another element; also, the process of converting into a mineral, as a bone or a plant. 2. The act of impregnating with a mineral, as water. 3. (Bot.) Defn: The conversion of a cell wall into a material of a stony nature.