Chrysolite
/ˈkrɪsəlaɪt/noun
A yellowish-green gemstone historically identified with several minerals, especially peridot or chrysoberyl.
Did you know?Biblical and classical references to chrysolite are difficult to identify because ancient gem names often described color and brilliance rather than a single mineral species.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵʰelH-
“To shine or have a yellow-green color; a root associated with golden and yellow hues.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
khrusos
“Gold.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
lithos
“Stone.”
Classical Greek
Greek
khrusolithos
“A “gold stone,” referring to a yellow or golden gemstone.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
chrysolithus
“Chrysolite; a precious stone described as golden or yellowish.”
Middle English
English
crisolite
“A precious stone, transmitted through French and Latin forms.”
Modern English
English
chrysolite
“A yellowish-green gemstone name, often applied historically to peridot or related stones.”
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