Chian Marble
/ˈkaɪ.ən ˈmɑːr.bəl/noun
A marble or marble-like decorative stone associated with the Greek island of Chios.
Did you know?Ancient writers, including Pliny the Elder, listed Chian stone among prestigious decorative marbles used in the classical world.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mer-
“A proposed Indo-European root connected with rubbing, wearing away, or shining; its relationship to Greek marble is debated.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μάρμαρος (mármaros)
“Shining stone or crystalline stone, from μαρμαίρω (marmaírō), “to sparkle.””
Ancient Greek
Greek
Χῖος (Khíos)
“Of or relating to Chios, the Aegean island known in antiquity for distinctive stone and other luxury products.”
Classical Antiquity
Greek/Latin
Chian marble / marmor Chium
“Decorative stone associated with Chios and classified by ancient authors among valued marbles.”
Old French
Old French
marbre
“Marble, inherited from Latin marmor.”
Modern English
English
Chian marble
“A historical architectural and mineralogical term for marble or marble-like stone associated with Chios.”