incrustation
Hardened outer layer
Incrustation is a hard coating or crust that forms on a surface, whether through natural accumulation or deliberate application.
Scale builds up inside pipes; mineral deposits form on rocks; decorative surfaces receive ornamental inlays of stone or tile.
The word covers both the process of encrusting and the resulting layer: The incrustation on the ancient vessel took centuries to form.
Also spelled encrustation.
Sessile marine crustacean
- biofoulingOrganism accumulation on surfaces
- coralMarine skeletal formation
- foulingMaking something unclean
- oysterPearl-bearing edible mollusk
mussel · limpet · algae · seashell · hull · shipworm · kelp · bryozoan
Measure of relative size
- tartarHardened dental plaque
- plaqueInscribed memorial tablet
- buildupGradual accumulation over time
- residueMatter left behind
film · layer · rind · patina · tarnish · oxidation · rust · verdigris
Crystalline calcium carbonate
- calciumElement twenty, builds bones
- scaleMeasure of relative size
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- stalactiteHanging cave mineral deposit
stalagmite · crystal · geode · quartz · gypsum · travertine · tufa · sinter
Embedded surface ornamentation
- gildingApplying decorative gold coating
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- mosaicInlaid pictorial arrangement
- marquetryDecorative veneer patterning
intarsia · enamel · cloisonné · embossing · jeweling · beading · overlay · encrusting
Preserved ancient organism
- petrificationBecoming rock-like
- amberHardened ancient tree secretion
- sedimentationParticles settling in liquid
- stratificationDivision into distinct levels
carbonization · impression · cast · mold · preservation · paleontology · concretion · nodule
barnacle
Sessile marine crustacean
- biofoulingOrganism accumulation on surfaces
- coralMarine skeletal formation
- foulingMaking something unclean
oyster · mussel · limpet · algae · seashell · hull · shipworm · kelp · bryozoan · tubeworm
scale
Measure of relative size
residue · film · layer · rind · patina · tarnish · oxidation · rust · verdigris · deposit
calcite
Crystalline calcium carbonate
stalactite · stalagmite · crystal · geode · quartz · gypsum · travertine · tufa · sinter · flowstone
inlay
Embedded surface ornamentation
- gildingApplying decorative gold coating
- filigreeDelicate twisted-wire ornamentation
- mosaicInlaid pictorial arrangement
marquetry · intarsia · enamel · cloisonné · embossing · jeweling · beading · overlay · encrusting · gemstone
fossil
Preserved ancient organism
- petrificationBecoming rock-like
- amberHardened ancient tree secretion
- sedimentationParticles settling in liquid
stratification · carbonization · impression · cast · mold · preservation · paleontology · concretion · nodule · geode
crust, crusty, crustacea, crustacean, encrust, crusting, encrusted, crustaceans, crustal