from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
-ite \-ite\ [From Gr. ?, ?.]
1. A suffix denoting one of a party, a sympathizer with or
adherent of, and the like, and frequently used in
ridicule; as, a Millerite; a Benthamite.
[1913 Webster]
2. A suffix used in naming minerals; as, chlorite, from its
characteristic green color; barite, from its heaviness;
graphite, from its use in writing.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Chem.) A suffix used to denote the salts formed from
those acids whose names end in -ous; as, sulphite, from
sulphurous; nitrite, from nitrous acid, etc.
[1913 Webster]