a process in which plagioclases and other minerals are replaced by sericite through the action on rocks of low-temperature hydrothermal solutions. Wallrock metasomatism that accompanies the development of copper pyrite, complex, gold-silver, and antimony-mercury ores is typical of serialization. Frequently, sericitization develops in connection with the beresitization, listvenitization, propylitization, and silicification of rocks. The presence of sericitization is made use of in prospecting for ore bodies.