Xylophone

I always thought it was "Ex-Eye-Lo-Phone" but no, the correct pronounciation of Xylophone is "Zi-lo-phone" So really, how on earth does the X make a 'z' sound? I mean, what kind of idiot invents a word and then places X as its starting letter? At least X-ray is pronounced "ex-ray." Sheesh, I just hate being corrected for pronouncing Xylophone wrong every time I say it. Now I'll probably start avoiding using the word altogether and referring to it as 'metal piano you hit with a stick.' Now, doesn't that sound classy? --______--