Defn: A common mineral of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system; iron pyrites; iron disulphide. Hence sable coal his massy couch extends, And stars of gold the sparkling pyrite blends. E. Darwin.
PYRITES
Py*ri"tes, n. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. Pyre.] (Min.)
Defn: A name given to a number of metallic minerals, sulphides of iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, and tin, of a white or yellowish color.
Note: 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, or Copper, pyrites, the sulphide of copper and iron;
chalcopyrite.
PYRITIC; PYRITICAL
Py*rit"ic, Py*rit"ic*al, a. (Min.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to pyrites; consisting of, or resembling, pyrites.
PYRITIFEROUS
Pyr`i*tif"er*ous, a. Etym: [Pyrites + -ferous.] (Min.)
Defn: Containing or producing pyrites.
PYRITIZE
Pyr"i*tize, v. t. Etym: [Cf. F. pyritiser.]
Defn: To convert into pyrites.