Category: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.