basanite

[ bas-uh-nahyt, baz- ]

noun

, Petrography.

1. a basaltic rock composed chiefly of plagioclase, olivine, and augite.

basanite

/ ˈbæsəˌnaɪt /

noun

1. a black basaltic rock containing plagioclase, augite, olivine, and nepheline, leucite, or analcite, formerly used as a touchstone

Word History and Origins

Origin of basanite¹

1745–55; < Latin basanītēs; basalt

Word History and Origins

Origin of basanite¹

C18: see basalt

Example Sentences

The flows from Kibo include nepheline and leucite basanite lavas rich in soda felspars.

From Project Gutenberg

Basanite is also known as Lydian stone or touchstone on account of its use for trying the purity of metals.

From Project Gutenberg

Basanite, bas′an-īt, n. a kind of quartz serviceable for testing the purity of the precious metals by the marks made.

From Project Gutenberg

Or is he a kind of basanite for bunches, and do they come out on us at the sight of him?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• barometer
• criterion