Lithification refers to the process of converting sedimentary deposits into solid rocks through the compaction and cementation of sediment particles. Synonyms for this geological term include consolidation, petrification, fossilization, and hardening. Consolidation is the process of squeezing out water from the sediment matrix and closing the gaps between particles, resulting in a denser and more compact material. Petrification refers to the replacement of organic matter in the sediment with minerals, turning it into stone. Fossilization is the preservation of the remains of living organisms through lithification. Hardening is the general term for the strengthening of sedimentary materials due to the removal of water and the formation of bonds between particles.