Pronunciation: [bˈasta͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The word "bastite" is spelled with the "a" pronounced as /æ/ (like "cat") and the "i" pronounced as /ɪ/ (like "bit"). The "e" at the end of the word is silent. Browneite is a rare mineral that belongs to the pyroxene group, also known as the clinopyroxene subgroup. It was discovered in 1967 and named after the mineralogist, Robert Browne. The chemical formula for browneite is NaCaMn^2+Ti[Si2O6]2(OH)2.
Bastite is a term used in geology to describe a type of altered igneous rock that contains abundant alteration products. It is derived from the Greek word "bastazo," which means "I carry." It is also known as a pseudomorph.
Bastite is typically formed when the primary minerals of a rock undergo a process of replacement due to hydrothermal alteration or weathering. It commonly occurs in ultramafic rocks such as peridotite and serpentinite. The alteration of these rocks results in the formation of a combination of minerals, including serpentine, chlorite, and other secondary minerals.
The presence of bastite in a rock can be visually identified by its characteristic greenish-gray to dark green color. It has a typical fibrous, granular, or scaly texture. Bastite is commonly associated with hydrothermal systems and is often found in regions with active volcanism or tectonic activity.
Due to its alteration nature, bastite can provide valuable information about the geological history and the conditions under which a rock has formed. Its formation requires the presence of specific mineral-rich fluids and specific temperature and pressure conditions.
In summary, bastite is an altered igneous rock that serves as a pseudomorph, replacing primary minerals with secondary minerals like serpentine and chlorite. It is typically found in ultramafic rocks and provides insights into the geological processes and conditions that have occurred in a particular region.
The etymology of the word "bastite" traces back to the Greek term "bastos", which means "marble" or "stony". It is derived from the Greek verb "bastazo", meaning "to lift" or "to carry", as marble was frequently used for building and transportation purposes. "Bastite" specifically refers to a type of metamorphic rock composed of pyroxene minerals.
