What is "recrystallization"

Recrystallization \Re*crys`tal*li*za"tion\ (r[=e]*kr[i^]s`tal*l[i^]*z[=a]"sh[u^]n), n. (Chem. & Min.) The process or recrystallizing.

1782, from re- + crystallization.

n. 1 (context chemistry English) a technique for the purification of chemical compounds in which the compound is dissolved in a solvent and slowly cooled to form crystals 2 (context geology English) a process in the formation of metamorphic rocks 3 (context metallurgy English) the growth of grain fragments in an alloy, especially when it is worked by cold rolling

Recrystallization is a process by which deformed grains are replaced by a new set of defects-free grains that nucleate and grow until the original grains have been entirely consumed. Recrystallization is usually accompanied by a reduction in the strength and hardness of a material and a simultaneous increase in the ductility. Thus, the process may be introduced as a deliberate step in metals processing or may be an undesirable byproduct of another processing step. The most important industrial uses are the softening of metals previously hardened by cold work, which have lost their ductility, and the control of the grain structure in the final product.

In geology, solid-state recrystallization is a metamorphic process that occurs under situations of intense temperature and pressure where grains, atoms or molecules of a rock or mineral are packed closer together, creating a new crystal structure. The basic composition remains the same. This process can be illustrated by observing how snow recrystallizes to ice without melting.

As opposed to metasomatism, which is a chemical change caused by metamorphism, recrystallization is a physical process. However, recrystallization can occur when a local migration of chemicals results in the chemical change of the rock or mineral with no external addition of materials.

Limestone is a sedimentary rock that undergoes metamorphic recrystallization to form marble, and clays can recrystallize to muscovite mica.

Category:Geochemical processes Category:Metamorphic petrology

In chemistry, recrystallization is a technique used to purify chemicals. By dissolving both impurities and a compound in an appropriate solvent, either the desired compound or impurities can be coaxed out of solution, leaving the other behind. It is named for the crystals often formed when the compound precipitates out. Alternatively, recrystallization can refer to the natural growth of larger ice crystals at the expense of smaller ones.

Recrystallization may refer to:

• Recrystallization (chemistry)
• Recrystallization (geology)
• Recrystallization (metallurgy)

sv:Omkristallisation de:Rekristallisation nl:Herkristallisatie ja:再結晶 simple:Recrystallisation