Pyrite | n.; pl. Pyrites [ Cf. F. pyrite. See Pyrites. ] (Min.) A common mineral of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system; iron pyrites; iron disulphide. [ 1913 Webster ] Hence sable coal his massy couch extends, And stars of gold the sparkling pyrite blends. E. Darwin. [ 1913 Webster ] |
Pyrites | n. [ L., fr. Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; fire. See Pyre. ] (Min.) A name given to a number of metallic minerals, sulphides of iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, and tin, of a white or yellowish color. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ The term was originally applied to the mineral pyrite, or iron pyrites, in allusion to its giving sparks when struck with steel. [ 1913 Webster ] Arsenical pyrites, arsenopyrite. -- Auriferous pyrites. See under Auriferous. -- Capillary pyrites, millerite. -- Common pyrites, isometric iron disulphide; pyrite. -- Hair pyrites, millerite. -- Iron pyrites. See Pyrite. -- Magnetic pyrites, pyrrhotite. -- Tin pyrites, stannite. -- White iron pyrites, orthorhombic iron disulphide; marcasite. This includes cockscomb pyrites (a variety of marcasite, named in allusion to its form), spear pyrites, etc. -- Yellow pyrites, or Copper pyrites, the sulphide of copper and iron; chalcopyrite. [ 1913 Webster ]
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