'amphibole-rich' originates from English compounding: 'amphibole' (from Greek) + 'rich' (from Old English), where the combining form '-rich' means 'abundant in.' The word 'amphibole' ultimately comes from Greek 'amphíbolos' meaning 'ambiguous' (reflecting the mineral group's variable composition).

'Amphibole' entered English via French from Greek 'amphíbolos,' while 'rich' comes from Old English 'rīce' (through Germanic). These elements combined in modern scientific English to form the compound adjective 'amphibole-rich.'

The components originally meant 'ambiguous' (for 'amphibole') and 'wealthy/abundant' (for 'rich'); in combination they now specifically denote rocks or materials with a high content of amphibole minerals.