Processes that Alter States of Matter

condensation:

Process by which a vapor becomes liquid or solid

chemical fractionation

Compositional differentiation via numerous chemical processes

phase transformations:

Change of a crystal from one polymorph to another

melt(ing):

Transformation from a solid to a liquid state

crystallization:

Transformation from a liquid or vapor to a solid state

dehydration:

A (metamorphic) reaction that results in the transfer of H2O to the fluid phase

metamorphism:

Mineralogical, chemical and textural adjustment of solid rocks to physical and chemical conditions

weathering:

Physical disintegration or chemical decomposition of rock

solution:

A homogeneous mixture of two or more components in a single phase, often refers specifically to a solution in water (an aqueous solution); a process of chemical weathering by which rock and mineral material passes into solution

precipitation:

The formation of an insoluble solid by a reaction which occurs in solution