Lapidescence is a term used to describe the process of turning into stone. It is often associated with the formation of fossils, as ancient plant and animal remains slowly transform over time. There are several synonyms for lapidescence, including lithification, petrification, and mineralization. Lithification refers to the process of turning sedimentary rocks into solid rocks, while petrification refers to the complete replacement of organic matter with minerals. Mineralization, on the other hand, is the process of converting minerals into solid rocks. Although these terms have slightly different meanings, they are often used interchangeably to describe the transformation of materials into stone.