n.;
Hence sable coal his massy couch extends,
And stars of gold the sparkling pyrite blends. E. Darwin. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ L., fr. Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; 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. [ 1913 Webster ]
☞ The term was originally applied to the mineral pyrite, or iron pyrites, in allusion to its giving sparks when struck with steel. [ 1913 Webster ]
Arsenical pyrites,
Auriferous pyrites.
Capillary pyrites,
Common pyrites,
Hair pyrites,
Iron pyrites.
Magnetic pyrites,
Tin pyrites,
White iron pyrites,
Yellow pyrites,
Copper pyrites