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Basanites, Basalt

Basanites, Basalt Page of 384 Batrachites, Toadstone Text size:minus plus Restore normal size   Mail page  Print this page
42
NATURAL HISTORY OF GEMS.
Basalt more probably took its name from its resemblance in colour to the black pebble used by the Greeks for testing coin upon, which appears to have been the same substance, and similarly used, as our Touchstone. The French " basané," " swarthy," seems to have the same origin. This âÜóáíïò is largely dwelt upon by Theophrastus (45-49). The .stones of the kind were only found in the river Tmolus, were round and flat like a counter (øÞöïò), but twice as large as the largest counter ; and their upper side, that had lain exposed to the sun, was better for the touch than the lower, whence a moisture was apt to exude. By means of this stone the exact amount of alloy, either copper or silver, in the standard of the gold stater could be ascer­tained. (See Lapis Lydius.)
Basanites, Basalt Page of 384 Batrachites, Toadstone
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