Definitions

1. verb

to preserve organic matter, especially plant or animal remains, in a bed of iron pyrites, typically as a result of being buried and subjected to reducing conditions.

“The fossil was found in a rock formation that had pyritized the remains of ancient trees.”

2. verb

to convert or replace organic matter, especially plant or animal remains, into iron pyrite, typically through the action of reducing bacteria.

“The researchers observed that the sediment had pyritized the organic material over millions of years.”

3. noun

the process of converting or replacing organic matter, especially plant or animal remains, into iron pyrite.

“The geologist studied the pyritization process that had occurred in the rock formation.”