pyrrhotite

[ pir-uh-tahyt ]

/ ˈpɪr əˌtaɪt /

Save This Word!

noun

a common mineral, iron sulfide, approximately FeS but variable because of a partial absence of ferrous ions, occurring in massive and in crystal forms with a bronze color and metallic luster; magnetic pyrites: generally slightly magnetic.

QUIZ

ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?

We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.

Question 1 of 8

Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?

navy

beryl

azure

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Meet Grammar Coach

Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

Improve Your Writing

Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing

Origin of pyrrhotite

1868; <Greek pyrrhót(ēs) redness + -ite¹

Words nearby pyrrhotite

Pyrrha, pyrrhic, Pyrrhic victory, Pyrrho, Pyrrhonism, pyrrhotite, pyrrhuloxia, Pyrrhus, pyrrole, pyrrolidine, Pyrrophyta

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use pyrrhotite in a sentence

Pyrrhotite, or magnetic pyrites, is the source of about all the nickel of commerce.
The A B C of Mining|Charles A. Bramble
Some of the nickel of commerce is derived from nickelliferous pyrrhotite.
The A B C of Mining|Charles A. Bramble
The pyritic ores of iron, including marcasite, pyrrhotite and mispickel, are often taken for gold by the inexperienced.
The A B C of Mining|Charles A. Bramble
One of the best-known localities is Bodenmais, in Bavaria, where it occurs with pyrrhotite in a granite matrix.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 14, Slice 6|Various

The copper deposits are mainly in well-marked fracture planes in serpentine; the ore is pyrrhotite, with or without chalcopyrite.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 7|Various

British Dictionary definitions for pyrrhotite

pyrrhotite

pyrrhotine (ˈpɪrəˌtiːn, -ˌtaɪn, -tɪn)

/ (ˈpɪrəˌtaɪt) /

noun

a common bronze-coloured magnetic mineral consisting of ferrous sulphide in hexagonal crystalline form. Formula: FeS

Word Origin for pyrrhotite

C19: from Greek purrhotēs redness, from purrhos fiery, from pur fire

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012