'porphyry' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'porphyritēs,' where 'porphyra' meant 'purple.'

'porphyritēs' transformed into the Latin word 'porphyrites,' and eventually became the modern English word 'porphyry' through Old French.

Initially, it referred to a purple stone, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a type of igneous rock.