Basanite

Description

A gray to black igneous rock composed primarily of plagioclase. Basanite is found in Spain, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, and the southwestern United States and has been used as a touchstone.

Synonyms and Related Terms

basanita (Esp.); basanite (Port.),Bassanit (Deut.)

Authority

• The American Heritage Dictionary or Encarta, via Microsoft Bookshelf 98, Microsoft Corp., 1998

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "Basanite." Encyclopdia Britannica. 2004. Encyclopdia Britannica Premium Service. 9 May 2004 .