pyrite
[pahy-rahyt]
- a very common brass-yellow mineral, iron disulfide, FeS2, with a metallic luster, burned to sulfur dioxide in the manufacture of sulfuric acid: chemically similar to marcasite, but crystallizing in the isometric system.
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Also pyrites.
Origin of pyrite
Also called iron pyrites.
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for pyrite
Historical Examples
The principal use of pyrite is in the manufacture of sulphuric acid.
The Economic Aspect of GeologyC. K. Leith
Wherever flint and pyrite are to be had these are used for striking fire.
The Central EskimoFranz Boas
He, however, puts it on one side as merely a synonym for pyrite, nor can it be satisfactorily defined in much better terms.
De Re MetallicaGeorgius Agricola
Before the war domestic sources supplied a fourth to a third of the domestic demand for pyrite.
The Economic Aspect of GeologyC. K. Leith
Pyrite, the yellow iron sulphide, is the commonest and most abundant of the metallic sulphides.
The Economic Aspect of GeologyC. K. Leith
pyrite
- a yellow mineral, found in igneous and metamorphic rocks and in veins. It is a source of sulphur and is used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid. Composition: iron sulphide. Formula: FeS 2 . Crystal structure: cubicAlso called: iron pyrites, pyrites Nontechnical name: fool's gold
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Word Origin
C16: from Latin pyrites flint, from Greek puritēs (lithos) fire (stone), that is, capable of withstanding or striking fire, from pur fire
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for pyrite
n.
"metallic iron disulfide, fool's gold," 1550s, from Old French pyrite (12c.), from Latin pyrites, from Greek pyrites lithos "stone of fire, flint" (so called because it glitters), from pyrites "of or in fire," from pyr (genitive pyros) "fire" (see fire (n.)). Related: Pyritic.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
pyrite
[pī′rīt′]
- A silver to yellow, metallic, cubic mineral. Pyrite often crystallizes in cubes or octahedrons but also occurs as shapeless masses of grains. It occurs in most types of rocks, and is used as a source of iron and in making sulfur dioxide. It is a polymorph of marcasite. Because of its shiny look and often yellow color, it is sometimes mistaken for gold and for this reason is also called fool's gold. Chemical formula: FeS2.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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