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Elements with names from Arabic

A handful of element names descend from Arabic chemistry of the medieval period. Antimony's name has been linked to Arabic chemists, boron derives from the Arabic word buraq, and the term 'alkali' (giving us the alkali metals) comes from al-qily.

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Name source

Mineral Astronomical body Mythology Person Place Properties

Language of origin

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No. Symbol Element Original word Meaning Name source Named by
5 B Boron buraq / borax Borax mineral Mineral
40 Zr Zirconium zargun Gold-like Properties