chiastolite
(kaɪˈæstəlaɪt)
Also -lith, -lithe.
[named in 1800 from Gr. χιαστός arranged crosswise (see chiasma) + -lite.]
A variety of Andalusite, a transverse section of which often exhibits the figure of a cross.
| [1804 R. Jameson Min. I. 547 Karsten, on account of the resemblance of its surface to the letter X, has denominated it Chiastolith.] 1811 Pinkerton Petralogy I. 106 A recent discovery, chiastolite or hollow spar. 1876 Page Adv. Text-bk. Geol. viii. 162 Chiastolite..occurring in long slender prisms, which cross and lie over each other in the masses of slate like the Greek letter χ. |
Comb., as chiastolite-slate (see quot. 1855).
| 1849 Murchison Siluria viii. (1867) 146 Fine, glossy, chiastolite slates. 1855 Lyell Elem. Geol. xxxv. (ed. 5) Chiastolite-slate..includes numerous crystals of Chiastolite: in considerable thickness in Cumberland. |