Which Elements on the Periodic Table Have Latin Names?

Scientists choose the names of elements based on a variety of factors, such as appearance, chemical properties, discovery location or person, or mythology. Examples of elements with Latin names and the reason behind the name choice include:

• Aluminum's name is based on the Latin word "alumen," which means "alum."
• Calcium's name is based on the Latin word for lime, "calx," which is the common name for calcium oxide.
• Cesium is a bright sky blue color when heated and was given its name from the Latin "caesius," which means "sky blue."
• Chlorine is a green-yellow gas, so was given the name after the Latin word "chloros," which means "greenish-yellow."
• Fluorine's name is based on the Latin word "fluere," which means "to flow."
• Gallium was named after the Latin name of France, Gallia.
• Iridium has the ability to form differently colored compounds and therefore was named for the Latin word for rainbow, "Iris."
• Radium has the ability to glow in the dark. Its name comes from the Latin word for ray, which is "radius."
• Rubidium was named for its bright ruby red color. Its name comes from the Latin word "rubidius."
• Scandium was named after the Latin word for Scandinavia, "Scandia."