encrustations
Built-up mineral layers
Encrustations are hard coatings or crusts that form on surfaces, typically through gradual accumulation or deposit.
Scale builds up inside pipes; barnacles form encrustations on ship hulls; mineral deposits create encrustations in caves.
The word also applies figuratively to accumulated layers of tradition or convention that have hardened over time: the encrustations of bureaucracy.
Also spelled incrustations.
Shell-armored marine clingers
- biofoulingOrganism accumulation on surfaces
- coralMarine skeletal formation
- musselsEdible marine bivalves
- oystersEdible marine mollusks
limpets · algae · shellfish · tubeworms · polyps · crustaceans · seaweed · sponges
Gradual accumulation over time
- depositsMaterial settled or stored
- residueMatter left behind
- scaleMeasure of relative size
- tartarHardened dental plaque
plaque · limescale · rust · patina · corrosion · oxidation · tarnish · grime
Naturally formed crystalline solid
- crystallineClear, ordered, brilliant
- calcifiedHardened by calcium deposits
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
- stalactitesMineral deposits hanging downward
stalagmites · geodes · limestone · calcification · tufa · concretions · petrified · travertine
Decorated with gems
- beadedAdorned with small spheres
- sequinedCovered in small shiny discs
- embellishedDecorated or exaggerated
- bejeweledDecorated with precious stones
rhinestoned · gemmed · ornamented · gilded · filigree · embroidered · spangled · inlaid
barnacles
Shell-armored marine clingers
- biofoulingOrganism accumulation on surfaces
- coralMarine skeletal formation
- musselsEdible marine bivalves
oysters · limpets · algae · shellfish · tubeworms · polyps · crustaceans · seaweed · sponges · antifouling
buildup
Gradual accumulation over time
tartar · plaque · limescale · rust · patina · corrosion · oxidation · tarnish · grime · film
mineral
Naturally formed crystalline solid
- crystallineClear, ordered, brilliant
- calcifiedHardened by calcium deposits
- sedimentaryFormed from deposited material
stalactites · stalagmites · geodes · limestone · calcification · tufa · concretions · petrified · travertine · fossilized
jeweled
Decorated with gems
- beadedAdorned with small spheres
- sequinedCovered in small shiny discs
- embellishedDecorated or exaggerated
bejeweled · rhinestoned · gemmed · ornamented · gilded · filigree · embroidered · spangled · inlaid · adorned
caramelized
Browned through sugar heating
glazed · crusted · seared · gratin · gratinéed · crispy · scorched · fond · crackling · crisped
encrustationssmoothness
Freedom from irregularity
polish · cleanliness · bareness · plainness · clarity
encrustationsdescaling
Removing mineral accumulation
erosion · stripping · denudation · wearing away · removal