Phase Transmutation
Phase transmutation
is a set of magical techniques for changing the physical characteristics of a material without changing its composition. Most phase transmutation techniques center around liquid-solid phase transitions; either a material that is normally liquid is made solid, or a material that is normally solid is made liquid. This differs from freezing or melting in that there is no actual temperature change. Instead, the melting point of the material is altered so that its phase is different at ambient temperatures.
Because the underlying composition of the material does not change, phase transmutation is inevitably temporary. If the enchantment is removed, the material reverts to its former state. In some cases, this can actually be desirable, as it means the spell only has to act on a material once to achieve two phase transitions.
Some applications of phase transmutation include: