Authigenesis

Authigenesis is the process whereby a mineral or sedimentary rock deposit is generated where it is found or observed. Such deposits are described as authigenic. Authigenic sedimentary minerals form during sedimentation by precipitation or recrystallization instead of being transported from elsewhere (allogenic) by water or wind. Authigenic sediments are the main constituents of deep sea sedimentation. Authigenic clays tend to reduce the porosity of sediments, thus reducing permeability.
In metamorphic petrology an authigenic mineral is one formed "in situ" during metamorphism, again by precipitation from fluids or recrystallization.
For any mineral to be precipitated, the water must be oversaturated with respect to that mineral. For calcite, this means that the area of deposition must be above the carbonate compensation depth, or that the pore waters are sufficiently saturated due to dissolution of other grains that precipitation can begin. The alkalinity can also be reduced by microbial sulphate reduction.
See also.
Neomorphism