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Basanite

(Science: chemical) Lydian stone, or black jasper, a variety of siliceous or flinty slate, of a grayish or bluish black colour. It is employed to test the purity of gold, the amount of alloy being indicated by the colour left on the stone when rubbed by the metal.

Origin: L. Basanites lapis, gr. The touchstone: cf. F. Basanite.