pyrite

Meaning

Noun

• The common mineral iron disulfide (FeS₂), of a pale brass-yellow color and brilliant metallic luster, crystallizing in the isometric system.
• (usually as a plural: pyrites) Any metallic-looking sulphide, such as the above, which is the most common.
• (usually as a plural: pyrites) Any metal dichalcogenide that is isostructural to the common mineral.

Related

Similar words

• fool's gold
• iron pyrites

Narrower meaning words

• iron pyrite
• pyrrhotite

Origin

• Recorded since 1555, from Old French pyrite (12th century), from Latin pȳritēs, from Ancient Greek πυρίτης λίθος ("stone of fire, flint") (so called because it glitters), notably the first part: adjective πυρίτης, from πῦρ. Analyzable as pyr- + -ite