pyrrhotite

[pir-uh-tahyt]

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.

Origin of pyrrhotite

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for pyrrhotite

Historical Examples of pyrrhotite

Pyrrhotite, or magnetic pyrites, is the source of about all the nickel of commerce.
The A B C of Mining
Charles A. Bramble
Marcasite and pyrrhotite, other iron sulphide minerals, are frequently found with pyrite and are used for the same purposes.
The Economic Aspect of Geology
C. K. Leith
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
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

British Dictionary definitions for pyrrhotite

pyrrhotite

pyrrhotine (ˈpɪrəˌtiːn, -ˌtaɪn, -tɪn)

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