A geological process where two different mineral forms of the same chemical composition transform or alternate; a change between two forms.
From Greek 'dia-' (through) plus 'morphe' (form), with the suffix '-osis' (condition or process). This technical mineralogical term emerged in the 19th century as geology became more sophisticated in understanding mineral structures.
Graphite and diamond are a famous example of diamorphosis—same element (carbon), completely different properties depending on how the atoms are arranged—diamonds are hard because of tight atomic packing while graphite is soft.
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