Gagates
/ˈɡæɡətiːz/noun
A black, compact variety of lignite, commonly known as jet.
Did you know?The Roman writer Pliny the Elder said gagates was named after Gagas, a place or river in Lycia, and described the stone as producing a strong smell when burned.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
γαγάτης (gagátēs)
“A black stone associated with Gagas in Lycia”
1st Century
Latin
gagates
“Jet or a black, combustible stone; Pliny connected it with the region of Lycia”
Old French
Old French
gagate
“Jet, a hard black stone”
Middle English
English
gagates
“Jet or black lignite used as a stone”
Modern English
English
gagates
“A black variety of lignite, especially jet”