pyrite
noun/ˈpaɪˌɹaɪt/
Etymology Recorded since 1555, from Old French pyrite (12th century), from Latin pȳritēs, from Ancient Greek πυρίτης λίθος (purítēs líthos, “stone of fire, flint”) (so called because it glitters), notably the first part: adjective πυρίτης (purítēs, “of or in fire”), from πῦρ (pûr, “fire”). Analyzable as pyr- + -ite
Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mineralogy, Natural sciences, Physical sciences The common mineral iron disulfide (FeS₂), of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system.
- The pyrite output in 1961 was 1.2 million tons, derived mainly from the Hsiang Shan mine in Anhwei and the Ying-te mine in Kwangtung.1973, Chiao-min Hsieh, “Mining and Manufacturing”, in Christopher L. Salter, editor, Atlas of China, McGraw-Hill, Inc., →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, →OL, page 100, column 1:
- China's 13 large foreign fertilizer plants ordered a few years ago are all scheduled to be in operation in a year or two.[…]China's biggest pyrite mine (openpit), being built in Yunfu, Kwangtung Province, was near completion.1978 November 9, K. P. Wang, “China's Mineral Economy”, in Chinese Economy Post-Mao: A Compendium of Papers, Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, →OCLC, page 387:
Usually, As a plural Any metallic-looking sulphide, such as the above, which is the most common.
(usually as a plural: pyrites) Any metal dichalcogenide that is isostructural to the common mineral.
Solid state chemistry
- Copper diselenide can occur both as a marcasite and a pyrite.
- Synonyms
- fool's gold, iron pyrites
- Derived terms
- argentopyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, leucopyrite, pyritaceous, pyritic, pyritical, pyritiferous, pyritified, pyritization, pyritize, pyritohedral, pyritohedron, pyritoid, pyritology, pyritous, white iron pyrite
- Hyponyms
- iron pyrite, pyrrhotite