Geochemical

/ˌdʒiːoʊˈkɛmɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to the chemistry of Earth, including the composition and chemical reactions of rocks, minerals, soil, and water.

Etymology

From geo- (earth) + chemical (from alchemy). The field emerged in the late 19th century as chemistry became rigorous enough to study planetary composition.

Kelly Says

Geochemical analysis of meteorites and moon rocks literally let us read the chemistry of other worlds without leaving Earth, which is pretty astonishing.

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