Margarite
/ˈmɑːr.ɡə.raɪt/noun
A mineral or gemstone name for a rare calcium aluminum silicate, and an old poetic or variant form related to pearl.
Did you know?Margarite ultimately comes from Greek *margaritēs*, the same pearl-word behind *Margaret*, because ancient writers associated pearls with luminous, precious stones.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*marg-
“A proposed ancient base often linked to shining or sparkling objects, though the exact pre-Greek origin is uncertain.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μαργαρίτης (margarítēs)
“Pearl.”
Late Latin
Latin
margarita
“Pearl.”
Old French
Old French
margarite
“Pearl; also used in mineralogical and poetic senses.”
Middle English
English
margarite
“A pearl or pearl-like gem; later a mineral name and poetic variant.”
Modern English
English
margarite
“A rare mineral name, and an archaic or specialized word connected with pearl-like brilliance.”