Gemstone Names from the Wörter und Sachen Perspective: On the Origin of Russian Orlets ‘Rhodonite’

The article considers the history of word orlets, one names rhodonite (located mainly in Middle Urals). author traces changes semantics this from its first mention Russian lexicography at end 18th century to present day, when it gained status obsolescence. Specifically, demonstrates that meaning ‘rhodonite’ was assigned only by 19th century. paper presents and comments on existing hypotheses origin name orlets: widespread but scientifically untenable myth eagles carry stone their nests; idea is preeminent (as eagle considered “the king birds”) because beauty value, others. As demonstrates, orel — ‘eagle’ actual generating stem for under discussion, motivation revealed based a wide cultural linguistic context. For reconstruction, both semantic motivational parallels as well extra-linguistic facts field folklore folk beliefs are involved, confirming stability symbolic links between “eagle” “stone.” It also important stones, language, additionally associated with images other birds (cf., example, lastochkin kamen’ “swallow stone”, German Storchstein “stork stone”): evidence presented shows these can claim universal. To demonstrate occurrence orlets number stones derived birds, superimposes possible signs listed work, which received “bird” names, onto properties originally presumably named orlets. contains extensive background information historical nature, rich data Geology Mineralogy, necessary verification constructions.