Mineralization describes both the geological process by which valuable minerals become concentrated within host rock and the resulting occurrence of that concentration. It can form through a range of geological mechanisms including hydrothermal fluid circulation, magmatic crystallization, sedimentary deposition, metamorphic remobilization, or supergene weathering enrichment. The style and origin of mineralization differ markedly across the commodities covered in this glossary. Gold mineralization commonly occurs in orogenic quartz vein systems, disseminated porphyry-related deposits, or as placer accumulations derived from weathering and erosion of primary sources. Iron ore mineralization is typically associated with banded iron formations of sedimentary origin, later enriched by secondary supergene weathering processes that upgrade iron content. Bauxite mineralization forms through intense lateritic weathering of aluminosilicate parent rocks such as basalt or granite under tropical climatic conditions, concentrating aluminum hydroxide minerals. Diamond mineralization originates deep in the mantle and is transported to surface via kimberlite or lamproite magmas, with secondary alluvial, fluvial, or marine placer mineralization forming where primary sources have been eroded and diamonds redistributed by water action. Understanding mineralization style is fundamental to exploration targeting and resource modelling.
