silicification (silis"ifikashon)

[F.sili cification; as silicify + -ation (see -fication ).] Conversion into silica. The most conspicuous of the chemical changes wrought in the gravel, as evidenced by the known changes in the substances imbedded in it, is silicification . J. D. Whitney, Auriferous Gravels of the Sierra Nevada, [p. 327. silicify (si-lis'i-fi), v.; pret. and pp. silicified, ppr. silicifying. [ The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia: The Century dictionary IMG:content-1060.png:[blocks in formation] silicious, siliceous (si-lish'us, -ius), a. [= F. siliceux, of or pertaining to flint, containing consisting of silica or si licious substance in one or another form: as, silicious sponges; silicious sponge-spicules; the silicious test or skeleton of various protozoans, especially radiolarians. - Silicious earth, earth consisting of or especially abounding in silica. - Silicious sinter. Same as opal ( h ). - Silicious waters, such waters as contain silica in solution in considerable quantity, as many boiling springs. onge.