Definition for BAS'AN-ITE

BAS'AN-ITE, n. [s as z. Gr. βασανος, the trier. Plin. lib. 36, ca. 22. See Basalt.]

Lydian stone, or black jasper; a variety of silicious or flinty slate. Its color is a grayish or bluish black, interspersed with veins of quartz. It is employed to test the purity of gold. – Kirwan. Ure. Cleaveland.

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