'allophane' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'allophanēs,' where 'allo-' meant 'other' and 'phanēs' meant 'appearing.'

'allophanēs' transformed into the French word 'allophane,' and eventually became the modern English word 'allophane.'

Initially, it meant 'appearing differently,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a type of clay mineral.'