English

Marcasite

Noun

marcasite ‎(countable and uncountable, plural marcasites)

1. (mineralogy) A type of metallic sulphide, now specifically the orthorhombic form of iron disulphide, FeS₂, occurring as yellow crystals and often used in jewellery. [from 15th c.]
   • 1999, Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke, translating Paracelsus, Opus Paramirum, in Essential Readings, North Atlantic Books 1999, p. 95:

     If he wants to speak as a physician, however, he must say, this marcasite is the man's disease, hence it will cure him.

Usage notes

• Marcasite is physically and crystallographically distinct from pyrite, although the two have the same chemical composition.

Synonyms

• white iron pyrite

Derived terms

• golden marcasite

Translations

See also

• pyrite