Obs. [ad. L. asterītes, a. Gr. ἀστερίτης. The L. form is more usual.] A gem known to the ancients; cf. ASTRION, ASTERIA.
1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., XVI. xvii. (1495), 559. Asterites is a precyous stone … Therin is closyd as it were a sterre.
1635. Swan, Spec. Mund. (1670), 258. The Astarite is a clear shining chrystalline stone, having in the midst the image of a full moon.
1677. Hale, Prim. Orig. Man., 328. The Configurations of Asterites, of Crystals, of Salts.
