host-rock

Noun

host rock (countable and uncountable, plural host rocks)

1. The background mineral material in which the object of study (crystals, fossils, specific minerals, groundwater, etc.) is embedded or through which it travels.
   • Formation of alteration minerals in the host rock during deformation within the shear zone is indicated by the parallel foliation within the secondary micaceous minerals and the unmineralized host schist.1983, Warren C. Day, Richard M. Tosdal, E.L. Acosta, J.C. Aruspon, L. Carvajal, E. Cedeño, Glenda Lowry, L.F. Martinez, J.A. Noriega, Fernanco J. Niñez, J. Rojas, F. Prieto, “Geology of the Lo...