Chlorite

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈklɔːˌɹʌɪt/

Definitions

1. A greenish mineral known for being a phyllosilicate often located in metamorphic formations and classified as part of the clay group along with minerals such as quartz
2. This mineral, frequently appearing in metamorphic rocks, is characterized by its green color and its classification as a phyllosilicate within the clay group, commonly found with quartz
3. A mineral typically green in color, composed of layered silicate sheets commonly found in metamorphic rocks

Etymology: The mineral is named after a green stone that Greek writers knew by a name built on "khlōros", meaning pale green or greenish-yellow. The Greek word "khlōrîtis" was used for a green gemstone, and the same "khlōros" root gives us "chlorine", the greenish-yellow gas named for its colour. Mineral chlorite is named for its typical green hue, so the modern word preserves a colour term first applied to a stone. The Greek adjective "khlōros" is itself related to words for new growth and greenness, which is why the same root reappears in "chlorophyll", the green pigment of plants. The shared element is a reminder that many scientific names built from Greek were coined much later, in the modern era, borrowing old colour words for new discoveries.