pyrrhotite

[ pir-uh-tahyt ]

noun

1. 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.

pyrrhotite

/ -tɪn; -ˌtaɪn; ˈpɪrəˌtiːn; ˈpɪrəˌtaɪt /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyrrhotite¹

1868; < Greek pyrrhót ( ēs ) redness + -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyrrhotite¹

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

Example Sentences

Pyrrhotite, or magnetic pyrites, is the source of about all the nickel of commerce.

From Project Gutenberg

Some of the nickel of commerce is derived from nickelliferous pyrrhotite.

From Project Gutenberg

The pyritic ores of iron, including marcasite, pyrrhotite and mispickel, are often taken for gold by the inexperienced.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the best-known localities is Bodenmais, in Bavaria, where it occurs with pyrrhotite in a granite matrix.

From Project Gutenberg

The copper deposits are mainly in well-marked fracture planes in serpentine; the ore is pyrrhotite, with or without chalcopyrite.

From Project Gutenberg