THE NAMES OF MINERALS
The great diversity of the roots of mineral names reflects the development of mineralogy. Some names have come to us from ancient civilisations and the orient. Other names, such as blende, kies, spath and glance, are derived from the names first used by German ore miners in the Middle Ages. Yet others are connected with superstitions and myths, and many bear the name of the area in which the ores were first mined. Chemical composition, appearance, and outstanding characteristics have all played their part in the naming of minerals. Other minerals, again, are named after their discoverer or after a famous mineralogist. Many minerals are known by two or even more names, which may have originated in different countries and are now established by long usage. Most mineral names end with -ite or -lite (formerly -hth), which is derived from the Greek lithos = stone.