Py*ri"tes (?), n. [L., fr. Gr. &?;, fr. &?; 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.
&fist; 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.
Hear it pronounced