Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Pyrites
Py-ri′tes
,Noun.
[L., fr. Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] 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.
☞ The term was originally applied to the mineral pyrite, or iron pyrites, in allusion to its giving sparks when struck with steel.
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.