Pyrite

Pronunciation

• Hyphenation: py + rite

Origin

recorded since 1555, from Old French (=modern) pyrite (12c.), from Latin pȳritēs, from Ancient Greek πυρίτης λίθος ("stone of fire, flint") (so called because it glitters), notably the first part: adjective πυρίτης ("of or in fire"), from πῦρ ("fire").

Full definition of pyrite

Noun

1. (mineralogy) The common mineral iron disulfide (FeS₂), of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system.
2. (usually as a plural: pyrites) Any metallic-looking sulphide, such as the above, which is the most common.
3. (solid state chemistry) (usually as a plural: pyrites) Any metal dichalcogenide that is isostructural to the common mineral.Copper diselenide can occur both as a marcasite and a pyrite.

Synonyms

• fool's gold
• iron pyrites

Derived terms

• chalcopyrite
• pyritic
• pyritified
• white iron pyrite

Related terms

• pyr-
• pyric
• pyro-