The work of combustion begun by the animal organism is finished by the action of micro-organisms, who complete the oxydation-the re-Mineralization of the chemical substances drawn originally from the inorganic world by the agency of plant life.
"The Mechanism of Life"
Stéphane Leduc
Mineralization of Organic Remains.
"The Student's Elements of Geology"
Sir Charles Lyell
There is considerable doubt as to their origin, but it is generally supposed that they represent concentrations by surface waters of minute quantities of material originally scattered through the surrounding sediments; it has also been suggested that certain igneous dikes in this region may have had some connection with the Mineralization.
"The Economic Aspect of Geology"
C. K. Leith