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Compilation of terms that described geometry (i.e. the shape, distribution and configuration) of alteration in rocks and minerals as observed at the macro-, meso- and microscopic scale, and applying to the specific area of observation. Alteration in this context is defined as a modification of the original lithology caused by meteoric, connate, metamorphic, or magmatic-derived fluids, excluding the weathering environment, mineralization and direct magmatic or metamorphic processes. Definitions are largely taken from Pirajno (2009) and the Glossary of geology (Neuendorf et al., 2011).

A compilation of terms that describe the degree to which (i.e. how much) a rock or a mineral has been affected by alteration. Alteration in this context is considered as a modification of the original lithology caused by meteoric, connate, metamorphic or magmatic-derived fluids, excluding the weathering environment, mineralization and direct magmatic or metamorphic processes. These concepts are generally used as convenient field or petrographic descriptive terms. Definitions are largely from Pirajno (2009) and the Glossary of geology (5th edition revised; Neuendorf et. al., 2011).

Compilation of terms that describe the classification of alteration in a rock, with a focus on hydrothermal processes (i.e. mineralogical, chemical and textural changes resulting from the interaction of hot aqueous fluids with the rocks through which they circulate, under evolving physico-chemical conditions), and excluding weathering, mineralization and direct metamorphic or magmatic processes. Classification is based on the identification of the most important alteration mineral, the distinctive mineral assemblage, or the chemical changes that have occurred during alteration.