What is "decrepitation"

Decrepitation \De*crep`i*ta"tion\, n. [Cf. F. d['e]cr['e]pitation.] The act of decrepitating; a crackling noise, such as salt makes when roasting.

n. (context mineralogy English) The shattering of minerals by the action of heat, especially when accompanied by a crackling sound

n. the crackling or breaking up of certain crystals when they are heated

Decrepitation is the noise produced when certain chemical compounds are heated. Such compounds include Lead nitrate and calcine.