chiastolite

[ kahy-as-tl-ahyt ]

noun

1. a variety of the mineral andalusite having cruciform carbonaceous inclusions.

chiastolite

/ kaɪˈæstəˌlaɪt /

noun

1. a variety of andalusite containing carbon impurities Also calledmacle

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiastolite¹

1795–1805; alteration of chiastolith ( -lite ), equivalent to Greek chiastó ( s ) set crosswise ( chiasma ) + -lith

Word History and Origins

Origin of chiastolite¹

C19: from German Chiastolith, from Greek khiastos crossed, marked with a chi + lithos stone

Example Sentences

The rocks consist of a clay-slate, with crystals resembling chiastolite and crystals of sulphide of iron interspersed.

From Project Gutenberg