epitaxy

ep·i·tax·y

(ep'i-tak'sē),

The growth of one crystal in one or more specific orientations on the substrate of another kind of crystal, with a close geometric fit between the networks in contact; seen in the alternating layers of different composition in stones from the kidney and gallbladder, indicating an abrupt change of composition during formation.

[epi- + G. taxis, arrangement]

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