'amphibolic' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amphibolos,' where 'amphi-' meant 'both' and 'ballein' meant 'to throw.'

'amphibolos' transformed into the Latin word 'amphibolicus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'amphibolic.'

Initially, it meant 'ambiguous or having dual meanings,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings in mineralogy and biochemistry.