'asphaltite' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'asphaltos', where 'asphaltos' meant 'secure' or 'not to be lost' (used for durable, non-decaying substances), combined with the suffix '-ite' from Greek '-ites' meaning 'of' or 'associated with'.

'asphaltite' evolved from Greek 'asphaltos' through Late Latin 'asphaltus'/'asphaltum' and Old French 'asphalte' into Middle/Modern English 'asphalt', after which the mineralogical suffix '-ite' was added (19th century) to denote a mineral or rock form, producing 'asphaltite'.

Initially related to 'asphalt' or durable pitch-like substances generally; over time the term became specialized to mean a hard, solid form of bitumen (a specific material distinct from liquid or semi-solid asphalt).