BASANITE Meaning and
Definition
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Basanite is a type of fine-grained volcanic rock that is commonly dark brown or black in color and has a relatively high content of magnesium and iron. It is classified as an intermediate variety of basalt, which is a commonly occurring extrusive igneous rock formed from the solidification of molten lava.
Basanite typically displays a porphyritic texture, which means it contains large, well-defined crystals embedded within a fine-grained matrix. The larger crystals, known as phenocrysts, are typically composed of minerals such as olivine, pyroxene, or plagioclase feldspar.
This volcanic rock is characterized by its high density and hardness, making it durable and suitable for various applications. Due to its dark color and uniform texture, basanite is often used as a decorative stone in architecture, flooring, and landscaping. It can be polished to achieve a smooth, shiny surface or left in its natural state for a more rustic appearance.
In geological terms, basanite is typically associated with subduction zones or rift settings, where volcanic activity is common. It forms as a result of partial melting of the Earth's mantle and subsequent eruption onto the surface. Basanite eruptions are often characterized by the release of gases, such as water vapor and carbon dioxide, which can contribute to explosive volcanic activity.
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A mineral-called also Lydian stone or Lydite, from the province of Lydia, where first found; a compound variety of flinty slate of a velvet-black colour, used for testing the purity of gold and silver-seldom used in this way now; applied to a rock having a base of basalt and more or less crystals of augite.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for BASANITE
- vasanite
- nasanite
- hasanite
- gasanite
- bzsanite
- bssanite
- bwsanite
- bqsanite
- baaanite
- bazanite
- baxanite
- baeanite
- bawanite
- basznite
- bassnite
- baswnite
- basqnite
- basabite
- basamite
- basajite
Etymology of BASANITE
The word "basanite" comes from the Greek word "basanos", which refers to a touchstone or a test. In ancient times, basalt rocks were often used as touchstones to test the quality of gold or silver. The term "basanite" originated from this use, as it describes a type of fine-grained volcanic rock resembling basalt. The word was first used by the German mineralogist Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1787 to classify these rock formations.
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