Derivations of Mineral Names. 23 
Form has produced Stylotypite, contr. Gr. 6rvdoc, column, and 
tuzos, form; Diagonite, der. Gr. dcaywyws, angular; and many 
others. 
WEIGHT is indicated by Barite, der. Gr. papuç, heavy ; Tung- 
stite, contr. Sw. tung, heavy, and sten, stone; and others. 
COLOR is a marked feature, duly recognized by names like 
Oyanite, der. Gr. xvavoç, sky-blue; Ruby, der. L. rubeus, red; 
Polychroilite, contr. Gr. zojvs, many, ypoa, color, and Adog, ` 
stone; and many others. 
Lustre is referred to Lamprophanite, contr. Gr. Aayzcoc, shin- 
ing, and gaevw, I appear; and many others. Light and touch 
alone will acquaint the observer with the special properties, but 
further examination will reveal others of equal importance. 
STRUCTURE is alluded to by a name like Fibroferrite, contr. L. 
fibra, fibre, and ferrum, iron ; and others. 
FRACTURE is referred to in Scolopsite, der. Gr. 6zodo¢, a splinter; 
and many others. : 
CLEAVAGE is of value in specific description and identification, 
as is testified to by names like Huclasite, contr. Gr. eù, well-easily, 
and xiuw, I cleave; Lowoclase, contr. Gr. 2łooç, oblique, and 
xiaw, I cleave; and many others. 
ODOR, TASTE, ELECTRICAL, CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC, OPTICAL, and 
other properties are duly utilized in the formation of distinctive 
names. After the physical constitution of a substance has been 
exhausted in furnishing points for discrimination, the most prolific 
field to turn to is that of chemical exploration. Under the appli- 
cation simply of heat, many minerals are curiously transformed. 
Often the changes exhibited are highly characteristic, and can well 
be utilized for taxonomic purposes. Scolecite, der. Gr. xole, a 
worm, describes a mineral which exfoliates into contorted, worm- 
like forms upon heating; Melanophlogite, contr. Gr. pedas, black 
and gioyeotos, burned, refers to a marked change of color 
under the influence of heat; Zeolite, der. Gr. Cew, I boil, designates 
an important group of allied minerals which bubble and intumesce 
upon fusion; Huosmite, contr. Gr. ed, well, agreeable, and 669 
odor, is the name of a species which emits a pleasant odor when 
heated, contrary to the general rule. 
The chemical composition of a mineral is of the highest import- 
ance, and valuable hints as to its nature can be conveyed by the 
