A Dictionary of the Names of Minerals: Including Their History and Etymology

Albert Huntington Chester

ISBN 10: 1333719175 / ISBN 13: 9781333719173

Published by Forgotten Books, 2018

About this Item

Print on Demand. This book delves into the fascinating world of mineral names, exploring their history and etymology. The author meticulously traces the origins of thousands of mineral names, uncovering the stories behind their creation. From the ancient Greeks to 19th century mineralogists, the book reveals the diverse influences that shaped the language of this field, including cultural traditions, scientific advancements, and even personal relationships. More than just a collection of definitions, this book examines the evolution of scientific thought through the lens of mineral nomenclature. It unveils the process by which minerals were named and categorized, highlighting the challenges of defining and classifying substances based on both external appearances and later, chemical analysis. The author also explores the humorous, idiosyncratic, and sometimes contentious aspects of the naming process, demonstrating how human passions and biases have played a role in shaping our understanding of the natural world. Ultimately, the book offers a unique and compelling glimpse into the history of science, revealing how the naming of minerals has been both a reflection of and a driving force behind the development of mineralogy as a discipline. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book.

Seller Inventory # 9781333719173_0

Bibliographic Details

• Title: A Dictionary of the Names of Minerals: Including Their History and Etymology
• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication Date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1333719175
• ISBN 13: 9781333719173
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Book Type: print-on-demand item
• Seller catalogs:
  • Geology

About this title

Synopsis

Discover the origins behind mineral names and what they reveal about science and language.

This reference work catalogs the names of minerals, explains their history and etymology, and notes variant spellings. It helps readers understand how names were chosen, from honoring people and places to describing properties or obscure origins. The book offers clear, concrete entries that connect a mineral’s name to its source, with practical notes on spelling and usage. It is a useful guide for students, collectors, and professionals who need reliable, easy-to-reference information about mineral terminology.

• Learn why many minerals end in -ite and where those endings come from.
• See how names reflect discoverers, places, or described properties.
• Find variant spellings and cross-references for quick identification.
• Access concise, alphabetized entries that clarify terminology.

Ideal for readers of mineralogy, geology, and history of science who want a compact, authoritative reference on mineral names.