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.
☞ 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, orCopper, pyrites, the sulphide of copper and iron; chalcopyrite.