pyrite

Meaning

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

Synonyms

fool’s gold

iron pyrite

iron disulfide

kies

native copper

Pyritum

sulphur ore

common pyrite

sulfite ore

mundic

sideropyrite

sulfur

iron pyrites

Translations

pirite

pyrite

pirita

pyriet

pirita

Pyrit

pirit

pirita

Schwefelkies

σιδηροπυρίτης

EisenKies

Eisenkies

Schwefel-Kies

zwavelkies

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈpaɪˌɹaɪt/

Etymology

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