'arcanite' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'arcanum,' where 'arcan-' meant 'secret', combined with the mineral-forming suffix '-ite' (from Greek '-ites') denoting connection to a mineral or rock.

'arcanum' (Latin) gave the root 'arcan-' meaning 'secret' and, in modern English coinage, was combined with '-ite' to form 'arcanite' as a name for a mineral (often in fictional contexts).

Initially related to the idea of a 'secret' or 'hidden thing' ('arcanum'); over time the coined term 'arcanite' came to mean a 'secret/magical mineral' and is now chiefly used for fictional magical ores.