Transmutation

n 1: an act, either observable or non-observable, which changes the form or character or substance of something [syn: transubstantiation] 2: a qualitative change [syn: transformation, shift] 3: (physics) the change of one chemical element into another (as by nuclear decay or radioactive bombardment); "the transmutation of base metals into gold proved to be impossible" (in the physically observable realm)

Note: a good subject for the 'discussion' link, above.