 The name "electrum" is the Latinized form of the Greek word ἤλεκτρον ("ḗlektron"), mentioned in the "Odyssey" referring to a metallic substance consisting of gold alloyed with silver.The same word was also used for the substance amber, likely because of the pale yellow colour of certain varieties.It is from amber's electrostatic properties that the modern English words "electron" and "electricity" are derived.